Alternative Services

Alternative Services
The Book of
Alternative Services
of the Anglican Church of Canada
with the Revised Common Lectionary
Anglican Book Centre

Toronto, Canada
©
Copyright 1985 by the General Synod of the Anglican Church of Canada
ABC Publishing, Anglican Book Centre

General Synod of the Anglican Church of Canada
80 Hayden Street, Toronto, Ontario, Canada M4Y 3G2
abcpublishing@national.anglican.ca
www.abcpublishing.com
All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced, stored in a

retrieval system, or transmitted, in any form or by any means, electronic,
mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise, without the written
permission of the publisher.
Acknowledgements and copyrights appear on pages 925-928, which constitute

a continuation of the copyright page.
In the Proper of the Church Year (p. 262ff) the citations from the Revised
Common Lectionary (Consultation on Common Texts, 1992) replace those
from the Common Lectionary (1983).
Fifteenth Printing with Revisions. Manufactured in Canada.
Canadian Cataloguing in Publication Data

Anglican Church of Canada. The book of alternative services of the Anglican
Church of Canada.
Authorized by the Thirtieth Session of the General Synod of the Anglican

Church of Canada, 1983. Prepared by the Doctrine and Worship Committee of
the General Synod of the Anglican Church of Canada.
ISBN 978-0-919891-27-2
1. Anglican Church of Canada - Liturgy - Texts.

I. Anglican Church of Canada. General Synod.
II. Anglican Church of Canada. Doctrine and Worship Committee.
III. Title.
BX5616. A5 1985 264’.03 C84-099749-3
Vinyl Green 978-0-919891-27-2 Leatherette Green 978-1-55126-399-1

Leather Burgundy 978-1-55126-060-0 Leatherette Burgundy 978-1-55126-400-4
Leather Green 978-1-55126-001-3
Table of Contents
Introduction 7
The Calendar 14
The Divine Office
Daily Prayer 36
The Penitential Rite 45
Morning Prayer 47
Prayers at Mid-day 56
Evening Prayer 61
Canticles 72
Introductory Responses 96
Responsories 101
Litanies, Thanksgivings, and Collects 110
Vigil of the Resurrection 133
The Great Litany 138
Baptism and Reconciliation
Holy Baptism 146
Holy Baptism 150
The Reconciliation of a Penitent 166
The Reconciliation of a Penitent 167
The Reconciliation of a Penitent—A Short Form 171
The Holy Eucharist
The Holy Eucharist 174
The Holy Eucharist 183
A Penitential Order 216
The Holy Eucharist—A Form in the Language of the
Book of Common Prayer 1962 229
Communion under Special Circumstances 256
The Proper of the Church Year
The Proper of the Church Year 262
Sundays and Holy Days 266
Ash Wednesday 281, The Sunday of the Passion 297
Maundy Thursday 304, Good Friday 308
The Great Vigil of Easter 321
Saints’ Days and Other Holy Days 398
Alphabetical List of Abbreviations 448
Daily Office Lectionary 450
Weekday Eucharist Lectionary 498
A Short Table of Psalms and Readings 524
Pastoral Offices
Celebration and Blessing of a Marriage with the Holy Eucharist 526
Celebration and Blessing of a Marriage 541
Ministry to the Sick 551
Ministry at the Time of Death 559
The Funeral Liturgy 565
The Funeral Liturgy Form I 571
The Funeral Liturgy Form II 589
The Funeral Liturgy Form III 598
The Interment of Ashes 599
Thanksgiving for the Gift of a Child 606
Thanksgiving for the Gift of a Child 609
Episcopal Offices
The Blessing of Oil 616
The Blessing of Oil 617
Confirmation 623
Preface to the Ordination Rites 631
Ordination of a Bishop 632
Ordination of a Priest 642
Ordination of a Deacon 651
Parish Thanksgiving and Prayers
Thanksgiving on the Anniversary of a Parish 668
Occasional Prayers 675
Home Prayers 685
Home Prayers 686
The Psalter
The Psalter 700
The Psalter 705
Music
Responses for the Offices 912, Litany Responses 915
The Lord’s Prayer 918, Responses for the Eucharist 920
Introduction
On 29 January 1971, the General Synod of the Anglican Church of
Canada resolved to direct the National Executive Council,
to initiate a process of revision of Church Services without delay,
which will produce alternatives to services now offered by the 1959
Canadian Book of Common Prayer; and which will provide guidelines
for their use throughout the Anglican Church of Canada.
The Synod also resolved,
that in future revisions of our Common Prayer Book, more
emphasis be given to permissive forms and less to mandatory forms
of public worship, in order that in the use of one common book, we
may still achieve that flexibility and variety we deem desirable. And
that in the meantime General Synod be asked to give guidance to
diocesan authorities in relaxing the rigid conformist notes still
written into our Common Prayer Book.
By these and other resolutions the General Synod channelled and
directed a movement for liturgical change which already existed, and
inaugurated a period of experiment, evaluation, and change.
Between 1974 and 1978, the Doctrine and Worship Committee
produced the Canadian Anglican Liturgical Series, composed of the
following publications: Christian Initiation (1974), The Holy Eucharist
(1974), Institution and Induction (1974), Christian Initiation: Study
Document (1975), Thanksgiving for Birth or Adoption (1978), Celebration
and Blessing of a Marriage (1978). This series constituted the first step in
the implementation of the resolutions of the General Synod of 1971
which related to the area of liturgy.
On 23 June 1980, the Doctrine and Worship Committee submitted a
new collection of liturgical texts to the General Synod, including a
new form of the eucharist, Third Canadian Eucharist (1979). Most of
these texts were approved (either explicitly or tacitly), some with the
conditions of further negotiation and editing. They were subsequently
published as The Lectionary (1980), Calendar of the Church Year (1981),
Holy Eucharist: Third Canadian Order (1981), Alternative Ordinal (1982),
and Holy Week (1982). A new form for the Celebration and Blessing of a
Marriage was published in 1982.
The 1980 General Synod made two other significant decisions
Introduction 7
regarding the liturgy of the Church. First, it rejected a proposal to
proceed with the preparation of a revised Book of Common Prayer.
Second, it directed the Doctrine and Worship Committee,
to proceed with the development of a book of alternative services,
comprised of the commonly used services in the present Canadian
Anglican Liturgical Series, revised where necessary, together with
similar other services, for presentation to the next General Synod.
By these two actions the General Synod committed the Anglican
Church of Canada, for the time being at least, to a pattern found also
in the Church of England and the Anglican Church of Australia, in
which the traditional rites of the Church coexist with contemporary
and alternative rites. This Book of Alternative Services is therefore not a
new Book of Common Prayer and does not replace it.
In 1983, the Doctrine and Worship Committee returned to the General
Synod with a draft Book of Alternative Services which required further
editing and revision. The General Synod authorized the committee to
complete its task and to take the book to the National Executive
Council for permission to publish for use, where permitted by the
diocesan bishop, at least until the thirty-second General Synod
(scheduled for 1989).
It may be seen from this brief history that the Book of Alternative
Services, now presented for use, reflects more than fourteen years of
continuous research, experimentation, criticism, and evaluation. This
task has involved not only a succession of committees but a vast
number of worshippers, lay people as well as clergy, who have
worked in the movement for liturgical change.
Liturgical change is sometimes treated as a phenomenon unique to
the twentieth century, a counter-current in the flow of Anglican piety.
The truth is that the distinctive ethos of Anglicanism emerged in a
period of reformation which was characterized by even greater
liturgical change than our own. This comparison of the present day
with the Reformation era is important for an understanding of the
contemporary liturgical scene. The spirit of reformation is neither
anarchic nor destructive, but is rooted in the conviction that in times
of great insecurity and change the centre cannot be held by a blind
preservation of the forms in which tradition has been received, but
only through diligent and passionate search for fresh expressions and
8 Introduction
evocations of the tradition. The wonder is not that so many twentieth
century Christians are open to change but that the experiments of the
Reformation era appeared to be treated as definitive for nearly four
centuries. The gospel always has a reforming, reinterpreting edge to
it, and the gospel is always the proper subject of the liturgy.
While there is a strong correspondence between the dynamics of the
Reformation era and the present day, there is considerable difference
in detail, rising from different perspectives in the Church’s
understanding of itself and the world around it. The Reformation of
the sixteenth century occurred at a time when Church and State
enjoyed a relationship of comfortable interdependence (although the
very political forces that embraced the Reformation were at the same
time producing new and secular forms of government, which would
eventually marginalize the Church). Christianity in its totality
belonged to a known world and existed, with rare exceptions, where
it enjoyed the protection of Christian princes. The goal of both Church
and State was a stable society in which the place of all was known and
maintained.
Theological and apostolic movements in subsequent centuries track
the response of the Church to its changing context. The missionary
movement in the seventeenth century and the Sunday School
movement a century later both reflect a new attitude in Anglicans to
the notion of unchanging boundaries, whether within the structure of
society or in relation to a world beyond the borders of Christendom.
The evangelical revival emphasized the importance of personal and
individual faith, as distinct from mere religious conformity, and
released the energy of Newton and Wilberforce to attack and subdue
the trade in slaves. The Tractarians and their successors rediscovered
a vision of the Church as the sacrament of God’s kingdom in terms
that challenged the social disorders of their day. Biblical criticism has
fostered a rich, subtle, and theological understanding of the holy
scriptures as the repository of the Church’s symbols of life and faith.
The Church of the present day is continuous with the Church of the
sixteenth century, but different, just as the Church of the sixteenth
century was continuous with but different from its medieval roots.
Liturgical continuity has always been maintained in tension with
liturgical change. The Book of Common Prayer has hardly been used
exactly as its original authors intended. Ceremonial subtleties have
Introduction 9
constantly reinterpreted the liturgical tradition, as indicated by
Anglican controversies relating to the location of the holy table, where
the priest may stand, the vesture of clergy, the use of liturgical
colours, the use of flowers and candles, as well as various physical
acts of reverence. The text itself has been reformed in various ways in
the Prayer Books of the different provinces of the Anglican
Communion. The appearance of new and alternative books
throughout the Communion reflects a further reformation of the form
and structure of the text.
This Book of Alternative Services represents but a moment in the process
of reformation. The gospel is truly perennial: unchanging but ever
new in its confrontation and transfiguration of the world. Liturgy is
the means by which the Church is constantly invested in that gospel,
in the reading of the scriptures, in proclamation, in praise, in prayer
of deep concern, and in those sign-acts which wordlessly incorporate
the believer in the Word. Liturgy is not the gospel but it is a principal
process by which the Church and the gospel are brought together for
the sake of the life of the world. It is consequently vital that its form
wear the idiom, the cadence, the world-view, the imagery of the
people who are engaged in that process in every generation.
It is precisely the intimate relationship of gospel, liturgy, and service
that stands behind the theological principle lex orandi: lex credendi, i.e.,
the law of prayer is the law of belief. This principle, particularly
treasured by Anglicans, means that theology as the statement of the
Church’s belief is drawn from the liturgy, i.e., from the point at which
the gospel and the challenge of Christian life meet in prayer. The
development of theology is not a legislative process which is imposed
on liturgy; liturgy is a reflective process in which theology may be
discovered. The Church must be open to liturgical change in order to
maintain sensitivity to the impact of the gospel on the world and to
permit the continuous development of a living theology.
There are a number of respects in which the Church of the present
day differs from that of the Reformation era. One, already noted,
relates to the role of the Church in today’s less rigidly structured
society. Christians have discovered a new responsibility for the world,
that loving their neighbours as themselves demands more than
compliance with the civil law. As the Letter of James puts it, it is not
10 Introduction
enough to say to the poor, “ ‘Go in peace, be warmed and filled,’
without giving them the things needed for the body” (2.16). This
finds expression in contemporary liturgy in consciousness of the
ministry of Jesus to the distressed and in prayer for the extension of
that justice which is God’s own work.
A second difference in the Church of the present day appears in a
growing sense among Christians that they constitute a complex and
varied community, with many different roles and functions. This
vision of the Church, as old as the New Testament, was never entirely
lost but was certainly eclipsed during a long period of Christian
history. A sharp line ran between the leadership role of the priest and
the relative passivity of the laity. Today there is recognition that the
Church not only contains but needs many roles and functions in its
administration, witness, and service as well as in its liturgy. The
purpose of presiding leadership is not to dominate but to call,
encourage, and support a community of people in all their work. This
principle finds liturgical expression in the Book of Alternative Services.
A third difference appears in a contemporary desire for greater
flexibility and variety in liturgy. As already noted, this desire was
expressed strongly in a resolution of the General Synod as long ago as
1971; it reflects not a rejection of tradition but a return to a much older
tradition which preceded the late medieval and Reformation periods.
The Churches of the Reformation were deeply influenced by the then
recent invention of printing which allowed the wider dissemination of
new ideas, of the Bible, and of liturgical texts. It also guaranteed a
greater degree of uniformity, which became part of the spirit of the
age. (The Books of Common Prayer of the Church of England were
imposed by the Acts of Uniformity of 1549, 1552, 1559, and 1662.)
Liturgical texts became unvarying scripts, leaving little if any room for
deviation. Today there is recognition that texts should provide a
framework and pattern for liturgy, as well as rich resources in
readings, acts of praise, and prayers, which must be used with
sensitivity and creativity appropriate to the context.
Worshippers will require time to become familiar with the variety of
resources contained in this book. Liturgical leaders must be sensitive
to their need for bulletins and other aids to guide them through new
material. It is not actually more difficult to find a new canticle or
Introduction 11
eucharistic prayer than it is to find a hymn, but the experience is new
for many people and they will need help and time to become familiar
with it.
A major difference in these liturgical texts is the use of modern,
vernacular English. The use of vernacular language was, of course, an
important principle among all the Reformers and the use of archaic
English is increasingly antagonistic to their teaching. The “updating”
of liturgies to meet linguistic change has been a source of problems
throughout Christian history. Sometimes resistance has been so great
that the liturgy has continued for some centuries in a “dead”
language, known only to an educated class. Change in language has
always caused nostalgia, and sometimes resentment, as it did among
those who clamoured for the continuation of Latin in the sixteenth
century. Certainly change in language involves both loss and gain.
Scholars speculate on the secret of Cranmer’s style. Some attribute it
to his proximity in time to the period of Middle English, with its use of
stressed lines and alliteration. Others believe the essence of his style
lies in the frequency of “doubling” or compounding of subjects and
objects, so that nouns are held in paradoxical tension with each other,
each modifying and amplifying the other. Whatever the source of
Cranmer’s elegance, it is not characteristic of the English language
now. The poetry of our own day tends to be spare, oblique, incisive,
relying more on the sharpness of imagery than the flow of cadence.
Liturgical language must attempt to speak in its own idiom. The
purpose of liturgy is not to preserve a particular form of English
address but to enable a community to pray, and that demands
struggling with the vernacular.
This Book of Alternative Services assumes, but does not demand, the use
of music. Liturgical celebrations are both possible and appropriate
without music, when the congregation is small or in domestic or
clinical situations. However, there is an intimate relationship between
liturgy and music which transcends the merely decorative. Music is
not brought into liturgy to enhance it but belongs by right, with words
and gestures, to the central core of liturgy’s own structure. Music
secures the intuitive dimension of liturgy, that aspect of perception
which has been associated with the right side of the brain. The Jewish
sources of Christian liturgy took music for granted, in both psalms
12 Introduction
and chanted prayers. The whole of Christian tradition is rich in
musical forms. This book makes new and special recognition of that
tradition in the provision of some music settings in an appendix.
This Book of Alternative Services is intended to extend, not break, the
tradition of the Church, and not least in the area of music. Musicians
are encouraged to compose new settings for canticles, responsories,
litanies, and other texts. At the same time, other established versions
of texts may be sung so that traditional, valued compositions may
remain in use.
The work of liturgical reform is not finished; in fact it is never
finished. Liturgical texts cannot be tested in an armchair or at a desk,
but only in use. There is bound to be room for refinement and
improvement, in language, in symbolism, in theology. Constructive
comments and suggestions are welcome and should be addressed to:
Faith, Worship and Ministry
The Anglican Church of Canada
80 Hayden Street
Toronto, ON M4Y 3G2
Introduction 13
The Calendar of the Church Year
The liturgy of the Church celebrates but one mystery: the life, death,
and resurrection of Jesus Christ.
Each Sunday is the weekly commemoration of that mystery of Christ.
Christians gather each Sunday to celebrate, in word and sacrament,
their participation in Christ. The Lord’s Day is consequently given
primacy over other commemorations.
Each year the weekly commemoration is celebrated with particular joy
when the Church keeps Passover or Easter. This observance includes
forty days of preparation in Lent and fifty days of celebration in the
Easter season. Easter is the central festival of the Church Year.
The commemoration of the birth of Jesus Christ at Christmas provides
the focus for the other seasons of the Church Year. This festival, much
later in origin than Easter, is associated with the Epiphany in some
parts of the Christian world. Advent is a period of preparation for this
celebration.
Sundays which are not immediately related to Easter or Christmas are
numbered as Sundays after Pentecost and Sundays after Epiphany.
The Church celebrates the victory of Christ in the lives of particular
individuals in the commemoration of saints. The calendar of saints’
days varies among the various Christian Churches and among the
various Churches of the Anglican Communion. Some saints’ days are
of great antiquity and universal observance and take precedence of
certain other days. The Calendar also includes the names of a variety
of Christians who are remembered for a number of reasons: some
inspired the reverent wonder of another time and place; some are
associated with the heroic struggle involved in the development of the
Church in this country. In addition to those whose names appear in
this Calendar, it is appropriate for the Church, at regional and even
local levels, to add the names of Christians whose lives have reflected
the mystery of Christ.
14 Calendar
The Calendar
1 Principal Feasts
The Principal Feasts observed in this Church are the following:
Easter Day
Ascension Day
The Day of Pentecost
Trinity Sunday
All Saints’ Day, 1 November
Christmas Day, 25 December
The Epiphany, 6 January
These feasts take precedence over any other day of observance. All
Saints’ Day may be observed on the Sunday following 1 November, in
addition to its observance on the fixed date.
2 Sundays
All Sundays of the year are feasts of our Lord Jesus Christ. In addition
to the days listed above, the only feasts appointed on fixed days to
take precedence of a Sunday are
The Naming of Jesus
The Baptism of the Lord
The Presentation of the Lord
The Birth of Saint John the Baptist
Saint Peter and Saint Paul
The Transfiguration of the Lord
Saint Mary the Virgin
Holy Cross Day
Saint Michael and All Angels
The feast of the Epiphany may be observed on the Sunday before
6 January if that day is a weekday. Should that Sunday be 1 January,
either the Naming of Jesus or the Epiphany may be observed. The
Sunday after the Epiphany is always observed as the feast of the
Baptism of Christ.
The feast of the Dedication of a Church, and the feast of its patron or
Calendar 15
title, may be observed on, or be transferred to, a Sunday, except in the
seasons of Advent, Lent, and Easter.
All other feasts of our Lord, and all other Major Feasts appointed on
fixed days in the Calendar, when they occur on a Sunday, are
normally transferred to the first convenient open day within the
week.
Harvest Thanksgiving may be observed on a Sunday as determined

by local custom.
3 Holy Days
The following Holy Days are regularly observed throughout the year.
They have precedence over all other days of commemoration or of
special observance.
Other Feasts of our Lord
The Naming of Jesus
The Baptism of the Lord
The Presentation of the Lord
The Annunciation of the Lord
The Visit of the Blessed Virgin Mary to Elizabeth
The Birth of Saint John the Baptist
The Transfiguration of the Lord
Holy Cross Day
Other Major Feasts

All Feasts of Apostles
All Feasts of Evangelists
The Holy Innocents
Saint Joseph
Saint Mary Magdalene
Saint Stephen
Saint Mary the Virgin
The Beheading of Saint John the Baptist
Saint Michael and All Angels
Fasts
Ash Wednesday
Good Friday
16 Calendar
Feasts appointed on fixed days in the Calendar are not observed on
the days of Holy Week or of Easter Week. When the feasts of Saint
Joseph or the Annunciation fall on a Sunday in Lent they are
transferred to the preceding Saturday or to a day in the preceding
week. But when the feasts of Saint Joseph and the Annunciation fall
in Holy Week or Easter Week both are transferred to the week after
the Second Sunday of Easter when the Annunciation is transferred to
the Monday and Saint Joseph to the Tuesday, or some other
convenient days during that week.
The feasts of St Stephen, St John the Evangelist, and the Holy
Innocents may be observed either on 3 August, 6 May, or 11 January
respectively, or on their traditional dates after Christmas. When any
of these feasts falls on a Sunday, it may be observed on its alternative
date that year or on the first free day.
Feasts appointed on fixed days in the Calendar do not take
precedence over Ash Wednesday.
Feasts of our Lord and other Major Feasts appointed on fixed days
which fall upon or are transferred to a weekday may be observed on
any open day within the week. This provision does not apply to
Christmas Day, the Epiphany, and All Saints’ Day.
4 Days of Special Devotion
Days observed by special acts of discipline and self-denial:
Ash Wednesday and other weekdays of Lent and Holy Week,
except the feast of the Annunciation;
Good Friday and all other Fridays of the year, in commemoration of
the Lord’s crucifixion, except for Fridays in the Christmas and
Easter seasons, and any feasts of our Lord which occur on a Friday.
5 Days of Optional Observance
Subject to the rules governing Principal Feasts, Sundays, and Holy
Days, the following may be observed:
Memorials listed in the Calendar (the prayers and readings from the
Common of Saints may be used at the eucharist);
Commemorations listed in the Calendar (the prayers from the
Common of Saints and the ferial readings may be used at the
eucharist);
Calendar 17
other Commemorations of diocesan or parochial significance;
Rogation Days and Harvest Thanksgiving at times when crops are
planted and harvested;
Ember Days;
provided that there is no celebration of the eucharist for any such
occasion on Ash Wednesday, Maundy Thursday, Good Friday, and
Holy Saturday.
Titles of the Seasons, Sundays,

and Major Holy Days
Observed in this Church Throughout the Year
Advent Season
First Sunday of Advent
Second Sunday of Advent
Third Sunday of Advent
Fourth Sunday of Advent
Christmas Season
The Birth of the Lord: Christmas Day, 25 December
First Sunday after Christmas
The Naming of Jesus, 1 January
Second Sunday after Christmas
Epiphany Season
The Epiphany of the Lord, 6 January
The Baptism of the Lord (First Sunday after the Epiphany)
Second Sunday through Eighth Sunday after the Epiphany
Last Sunday after the Epiphany
Lenten Season
First day of Lent, or Ash Wednesday
First Sunday in Lent
Second Sunday in Lent
Third Sunday in Lent
Fourth Sunday in Lent
Fifth Sunday in Lent
18 Calendar
Holy Week
The Sunday of the Passion: Palm Sunday
Monday in Holy Week
Tuesday in Holy Week
Wednesday in Holy Week
Maundy Thursday
Good Friday
Holy Saturday
Easter Season
Easter Eve
The Sunday of the Resurrection, or Easter Day
Monday in Easter Week
Tuesday in Easter Week
Wednesday in Easter Week
Thursday in Easter Week
Friday in Easter Week
Saturday in Easter Week
Second Sunday of Easter
Third Sunday of Easter
Fourth Sunday of Easter
Fifth Sunday of Easter
Sixth Sunday of Easter
The Ascension of the Lord
Seventh Sunday of Easter
The Season after Pentecost

First Sunday after Pentecost: Trinity Sunday
Second Sunday through Twenty-Seventh Sunday after Pentecost
Last Sunday after Pentecost: The Reign of Christ.
Principal Holy Days

The Presentation of the Lord, 2 February
The Annunciation of the Lord, 25 March
The Birth of Saint John the Baptist, 24 June
Saint Peter and Saint Paul, 29 June
The Transfiguration of the Lord, 6 August
Saint Mary the Virgin, 15 August
Calendar 19
Holy Cross Day, 14 September
Saint Michael and All Angels, 29 September
All Saints’ Day, 1 November
Other Holy Days

The Holy Innocents, 11 January or 28 December
The Confession of Saint Peter, 18 January
The Conversion of Saint Paul, 25 January
Saint Joseph, 19 March
Saint Mark, 25 April
Saint Philip and Saint James, 1 May
Saint John the Evangelist, 6 May or 27 December
Saint Matthias, 14 May
The Visit of the Blessed Virgin Mary to Elizabeth, 31 May
Saint Barnabas, 11 June
Saint Thomas, 3 July
Saint Mary Magdalene, 22 July
Saint James the Apostle, 25 July
Saint Stephen, 3 August or 26 December
Saint Bartholomew, 24 August
The Beheading of Saint John the Baptist, 29 August
Saint Matthew, 21 September
Saint Luke, 18 October
Saint Simon and Saint Jude, 28 October
Saint Andrew, 30 November
Memorials and Commemorations

The distinction between memorials and commemorations is of interest
primarily to communities with frequent weekday celebrations of the
eucharist.
The intention, which derives from the Lambeth Conference of 1958, is
to help communities identify the relative significance of a particular
day, just as a distinction is made between principal feasts and holy
days elsewhere in the calendar, reflecting the relative impact of certain
persons on the devotional imagination of the church.
While the observance of both memorials and commemorations is
optional, parishes with frequent weekday celebrations of the eucharist
20 Calendar
may decide to interrupt the weekday cycle of readings for a memorial
but not for a commemoration. The distinction would also help a
community decide which days to observe and the choice of liturgical
colour.
The following may help to make this clear:
Memorial
Variable prayers from the Common of Saints
Readings from the Common of Saints
(Colour appropriate to the day)
Commemoration
Variable prayers from the Common of Saints
Readings from the Weekday Eucharistic Lectionary
(Colour of the season)
Signs and Abbreviations

There are seven letters to indicate the seven days of the week. Days
marked with the same letter will all fall on the same day of the week
throughout the year (except during leap year).
PF—Principal Feast
HD—Holy Day
Mem—Memorial
Com—Commemoration
Calendar 21
January
1A The Naming of Jesus HD
2b Basil the Great and Gregory of Nazianzus, Bishops and
Teachers of the Faith, 379, 389 Mem
3c
4d
5e
6f The Epiphany of the Lord † PF
7g
8A
9b
10c William Laud, Archbishop of Canterbury, 1645 Com
11d The Holy Innocents (or 28 December) HD
12e Marguerite Bourgeoys, Educator in New France, 1700 Com
John Horden, Bishop of Moosonee, Missionary, 1893 Com
13f Hilary, Bishop of Poitiers, Teacher, 367 Mem
14g
15A Richard Meux Benson, Religious, Founder of the SSJE, 1915 Com
16b
17c Antony, Abbot in Egypt, 356 Mem
18d The Confession of Saint Peter the Apostle HD
19e
20f
21g Agnes, Martyr at Rome, 304 Com
22A Vincent, Deacon of Saragossa, Martyr, 304 Com
23b
24c Francis de Sales, Bishop of Geneva, Teacher of the Faith, 1622 Com
25d The Conversion of Saint Paul the Apostle HD
26e Timothy and Titus, Companions of Saint Paul Mem
27f John Chrysostom, Bishop of Constantinople, Teacher of
the Faith, 407 Mem
28g Thomas Aquinas, Teacher of the Faith, 1274 Mem
29A
30b Charles Stuart, King of England, 1649 Com
31c
† The Sunday after the Epiphany is kept as the feast of the Baptism of the
Lord.
22 Calendar
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ŗŜ
ŗŝ
ŗŞ
ŗş
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Řŗ
ŘŘ
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March
1d David, Bishop of Menevia, Wales, c. 544 Mem
2e Chad, Bishop of Lichfield, Missionary, 872 Com
3f John and Charles Wesley, Priests and Evangelists, 1791, 1788 Com
4g
5A
6b
7c Perpetua and her Companions, Martyrs at Carthage, 202 Mem
8d Edward King, Bishop of Lincoln, Educator and Pastor, 1910 Com
9e Gregory of Nyssa, c. 395 Mem
10f Robert Machray, First Primate of Canada, 1904 Com
11g
12A
13b
14c
15d
16e
17f Patrick, Missionary Bishop in Ireland, 461 Mem
18g Cyril of Jerusalem, Bishop and Teacher of the Faith, 386 Com
19A Saint Joseph of Nazareth HD
20b Cuthbert, Bishop of Lindisfarne, Missionary, 687 Com
21c Thomas Cranmer, Archbishop of Canterbury, 1556 Com
22d Thomas Ken, Bishop of Bath and Wells, 1711 Com
23e Gregory the Illuminator, Bishop of Armenia, c. 332 Com
24f
25g The Annunciation of the Lord to the Blessed Virgin Mary HD
26A
27b Charles Henry Brent, Bishop of the Philippines, and of
Western New York, 1929 Com
28c
29d John Keble, Priest, 1866 Com
30e
31f John Donne, Priest and Poet, 1631 Com
24 Calendar
!PRIL
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Řŝ
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#ALENDAR Řś
May
1b Saint Philip and Saint James, Apostles HD
2c Athanasius, Bishop of Alexandria, Teacher of the
Faith, 373 Mem
3d
4e
5f
6g Saint John, Apostle and Evangelist (or 27 December) HD
7A
8b Julian of Norwich, Spiritual Teacher, c. 1417 Com
9c
10d
11e
12f Florence Nightingale, Nurse, Social Reformer, 1910 Com
13g
14A Saint Matthias the Apostle HD
15b
16c
17d
18e
19f Dunstan, Archbishop of Canterbury, 988 Com
20g
21A
22b
23c
24d
25e Bede, Priest, Monk of Jarrow, Historian and Educator, 735 Com
26f Augustine, First Archbishop of Canterbury, 605 Mem
27g John Charles Roper, Archbishop of Ottawa, 1940 Com
28A
29b
30c Roberta Elizabeth Tilton, Founder of the Woman's
Auxiliary of the Canadian Church, 1925 Com
31d The Visit of the Blessed Virgin Mary to Elizabeth HD
26 Calendar
June
1e Justin, Martyr at Rome, Teacher, c. 167 Mem
2f Martyrs of Lyons, 177 Com
3g Martyrs of Uganda, 1886, Janani Luwum, Archbishop of
Uganda, 1977 Mem
4A John XXIII, Bishop of Rome, Reformer, 1963 Com
5b Boniface, Archbishop of Mainz, Martyr, 754 Mem
6c William Grant Broughton, Bishop in Australia, 1853 Com
7d
8e
9f Columba, Abbot of Iona, Missionary, 597 Mem
10g
11A Saint Barnabas the Apostle HD
12b
13c
14d
15e
16f Joseph Butler, Bishop of Durham, 1752 Com
17g
18A Bernard Mizeki, Catechist in Rhodesia, Martyr, 1896 Mem
19b
20c
21d
22e Alban, First Martyr of Britain, c. 304 Mem
23f
24g The Birth of Saint John the Baptist HD
25A
26b
27c
28d Irenaeus, Bishop of Lyons, c. 202 Mem
29e Saint Peter and Saint Paul, Apostles HD
30f
Calendar 27
July
1g
2A
3b Saint Thomas the Apostle HD
4c
5d
6e Thomas More, 1535 Com
7f
8g
9A
10b
11c Benedict of Nursia, Abbot, c. 540 Mem
12d
13e Henry, Missionary Bishop in Finland, 1150 Com
14f
15g
16A
17b
18c
19d
20e
21f
22g Saint Mary Magdalene HD
23A
24b
25c Saint James the Apostle HD
26d Anne, Mother of the Blessed Virgin Mary Com
27e
28f
29g William Wilberforce, Social Reformer, 1833 Com
30A
31b
28 Calendar
August
1c
2d
3e Saint Stephen, Deacon and Martyr (or 26 December) HD
4f
5g
6A The Transfiguration of the Lord HD
7b John Mason Neale, Priest, 1866 Com
8c Dominic, Priest and Friar, 1221 Mem
9d
10e Laurence, Deacon and Martyr at Rome, 258 Mem
11f Clare of Assisi, 1253 Mem
12g Consecration of Charles Inglis, First Anglican Bishop
in Canada, 1787 Com
13A JeremyTaylor, Bishop of Downand Connor, Spiritual
Teacher, 1667 Mem
14b Dietrich Bonhoeffer and Maximilien Kolbe, Martyrs,
1945, 1941 Com
15c Saint Mary the Virgin HD
16d Holy Women of the Old Testament Mem
17e John Stuart, Priest, Missionary among the Mohawks,1811 Com
18f
19g
20A Bernard, Abbot of Clairvaux, 1153 Mem
21b
22c
23d
24e Saint Bartholomew the Apostle HD
25f
26g
27A Monnica, Mother of Augustine of Hippo, 387 Com
28b Augustine, Bishop of Hippo, Teacher of the Faith, 430 Mem
29c The Beheading of Saint John the Baptist HD
30d Robert McDonald, Priest in the Western Arctic, 1913 Com
31e Aidan, Bishop of Lindisfarne, Missionary, 651 Com
Calendar 29
September
1f
2g The Martyrs of New Guinea, 1942 Mem
3A Gregory the Great, Bishop of Rome, 604 Mem
4b First Anglican Eucharist in Canada, 1578 Com
5c
6d
7e
8f The Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary Mem
9g
10A Edmund James Peck, Missionary to the Inuit, 1924 Mem
11b
12c
13d Cyprian, Bishop of Carthage, Martyr, 258 Mem
14e Holy Cross Day HD
15f
16g Ninian, Bishop in Galloway, c. 430 Mem
17A
18b Founders, Benefactors, and Missionaries of the Church
of Canada Mem
19c Theodore of Tarsus, Archbishop of Canterbury, 690 Com
20d John Coleridge Patteson, Bishop of Melanesia, and his
Companions, Martyrs, 1871 Com
21e Saint Matthew, Apostle and Evangelist HD
22f
23g
24A
25b Sergius, Abbot of Holy Trinity, Moscow, Spiritual
Teacher, 1392 Com
26c Lancelot Andrewes, Bishop of Winchester, 1626 Com
27d
28e
29f Saint Michael and All Angels HD
30g Jerome, Teacher of the Faith, 420 Mem
30 Calendar
October
1A
2b
3c
4d Francis of Assisi, Friar, 1226 Mem
5e
6f
7g
8A
9b
10c Paulinus, First Bishop of York, Missionary, 644 Com
11d
12e
13f Edward the Confessor, King of England, 1066 Com
14g
15A Teresa of Avila, Spiritual Teacher and Reformer, 1582 Com
John of the Cross, 1591 Com
16b
17c Ignatius, Bishop of Antioch, Martyr, c. 115 Mem
18d Saint Luke the Evangelist HD
19e Jean de Brébeuf, Isaac Jogues, and their Companions,
Missionaries and Martyrs in New France, 1642 – 1649 Mem
20f
21g
22A
23b James of Jerusalem Mem
24c
25d
26e Alfred the Great, King of the West Saxons, 899 Com
27f
28g Saint Simon and Saint Jude, Apostles HD
29A James Hannington, Bishop of Eastern Equatorial Africa and
his Companions, Martyrs, 1885 Com
30b John Wyclyf and Jan Hus, Reformers, 1384 and 1415 Com
31c Saints of the Reformation Era Com
Calendar 31
November
1d All Saints PF
2e All Souls—Commemoration of All Faithful Departed Mem
3f Richard Hooker, Priest and Teacher of the Faith, 1600 Com
4g Saints of the Old Testament Mem
5A
6b
7c Willibrord, Archbishop of Utrecht, Missionary, 739 Com
8d
9e
10f Leo the Great, Bishop of Rome, Teacher of the Faith, 461 Mem
11g Martin, Bishop of Tours, 397 Mem
12A Charles Simeon, Priest, 1836 Com
13b
14c Samuel Seabury, First Anglican Bishop in North America, 1784 Com
15d
16e Margaret, Queen of Scotland, 1093 Com
17f Hugh, Bishop of Lincoln, 1200 Com
18g Hilda, Abbess of Whitby, 680 Com
19A Elizabeth, Princess of Hungary, 1231 Com
20b Edmund, King of East Anglia, Martyr, 870 Com
21c
22d
23e Clement, Bishop of Rome, c. 100 Com
24f
25g
26A
27b
28c
29d
30e Saint Andrew the Apostle HD
32 Calendar
December
1f
2g
3A Francis Xavier, Missionary to the Far East, 1552 Com
4b Nicholas Ferrar, Deacon, 1637 Com
5c Clement of Alexandria, Priest, c. 210 Com
6d Nicholas, Bishop of Myra, c. 342 Com
7e Ambrose, Bishop of Milan, 397 Mem
8f The Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary Mem
9g Prophets of the Old Testament Mem
10A
11b
12c
13d
14e
15f Simon Gibbons, First Priest from the Inuit, 1896 Com
16g
17A
18b
19c
20d
21e
22f
23g
24A
25b The Birth of the Lord: Christmas Day PF
26c (Saint Stephen, Deacon and Martyr, or 3 August, HD)
27d (Saint John, Apostle and Evangelist, or 6 May, HD)
28e (The Holy Innocents, or 11 January, HD)
29f Thomas Becket, Archbishop of Canterbury, 1170 Com
30g
31A John West, Missionary, the Red River, 1845 Com
Calendar 33
The Divine Office
Daily Prayer
Although the worship of the Church in its earliest period was rooted
primarily in the weekly gathering of the community for the reading of
scriptures, prayer, and the breaking of bread, Christians were
expected to pray at other times as well. Early morning and the hour of
rest were regarded as particularly important opportunities for private
devotions which found their focus and expression chiefly in the
Lord’s Prayer.
Until the fourth century, daily prayer in the morning and evening was
usually individual and private, a family matter at most. When the
Church was able to emerge as a public organization it quickly became
customary to offer the morning and evening prayers publicly in the
larger metropolitan and cathedral churches.
The forms of devotion offered in the urban churches were closely
related to the hour of the day. They tended to be relatively
unchanging in form, consisting of a few psalms which were used over
and over again (perhaps because of the limited reading ability of many
worshippers), sometimes a reading, and prayers which culminated in
the Lord’s Prayer.
At about the same time, Egyptian monks developed a different
pattern of morning and evening prayer. They read the psalms and the
Bible in sequence (twelve psalms and two lessons at each service),
with little reference to the time of day. Each psalm was sung by one
member of the community while the others sat and listened; then
after a period of silence a leader offered a short prayer which gathered
up the spirit and content of the psalm.
Later in the fourth century monks began to establish communities in
the cities. In the course of time they greatly increased the number of
services each day and made a blend of the two earlier traditions. Some
services were almost invariable in form; others involved sequential
reading of the psalms and other scriptures. The Church’s daily prayer
grew and evolved on this basis in increasingly complex forms.
The author of the preface to the first Anglican Prayer Book, having
addressed himself to this complexity, wrote,
Moreover, the number and hardness of the Rules . . . and the
manifold changings of the Service, was the cause, that to turn the
36 Divine Office
Book only was so hard and intricate a matter, that many times
there was more business to find out what should be read, than to
read it when it was found out.
The Anglican Prayer Books of the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries
(and their immediate successors in the rest of the Communion)
offered greatly simplified forms of prayer for morning and evening,
which honoured both the ancient monastic and the ancient urban
traditions. Like the monks of the desert, Anglicans read the psalms
and the scriptures sequentially, the former on a monthly basis and the
latter on an annual basis; at the same time, like the daily worshippers
in the ancient urban centres of the eastern Mediterranean, Anglicans
became familiar with certain invariable forms of worship (the Venite,
the Benedictus, the Te Deum, the lesser litany, the second and third
collects).
Liturgical study and renewal of recent years suggests that it may be
appropriate to soften some of the rigidity with which these two
traditions have been received. The attempt to read the Bible through
in a year and the psalms every month has already been relaxed in the
lectionaries of recent years, and the lectionary on which the readings
provided for the principal service on both Sundays and festivals are
based uses the Bible both thematically and sequentially at different
times of the year.
There is also a growing sense that the less variable parts of the
services do not need to be so inexorably invariable.
It is a beautiful custom that the hymns of scripture and tradition
should be used as reflective responses to the readings, but the Song of
Zechariah (Benedictus), You are God (Te Deum), the Song of Mary
(Magnificat), and the Song of Simeon (Nunc Dimittis) are not by any
means the only canticles, nor is it absolutely essential that two of them
be used in the morning and two in the evening. (The pairing of
canticles in a single service is an Anglican peculiarity which reflects
the conflation of two medieval morning services into Morning Prayer
and two medieval evening services into Evening Prayer.) The closing
intercessions need not be tied to a single form.
Further problems emerge when Anglican revisers ask, “Who are these
services for?” The worshippers in fourth-century cathedrals would
have had no difficulty with the question; the forms of prayer for
Divine Office 37
morning and evening were for everyone. The Egyptian monks would
have had no problem in answering: they were for themselves. Both
answers had a certain legitimacy, and they reflect a tension that is
with us to the present day.
During the long medieval period in Church history the official forms
of daily prayer were increasingly associated with the devotional needs
of clergy to the exclusion of laity. Lay people might recite some of the
shorter, unchanging services, or they might adopt some popular
forms of devotion, but their association with daily prayer on an active
and intelligible level tended to lapse.
A reading of the prefaces and rubrics of the various editions of The
Book of Common Prayer leaves little doubt that the Reformers intended
the forms of prayer they provided for morning and evening to be for
everyone. Morning and Evening Prayer were to be recited by all
clergy daily—thus far the medieval and monastic principle was
honoured. But more than this,
the Curate that ministereth in every Parish-Church or Chapel, being
at home, and not being otherwise reasonably hindered, shall say
the same in the Parish-Church or Chapel where he ministereth, and
shall cause a Bell to be tolled thereunto a convenient time before he
begin, that the people may come to hear God’s Word and to pray with him.
(Italics added.)
They were to be the daily prayers of the whole Church.
This regime was, of course, intended to cover the seven days of the
week, including Sunday. It is an irony of history that the Reformers’
failure to win a large section of the population away from non-
communicating attendance at the Sunday eucharist led to the
infrequent celebration of the eucharist as the principal act of worship
and the emergence of Morning Prayer as normative Anglican worship
for a large part of the Church and for a long period of time. Indeed,
Morning Prayer became the main service of the day in large measure
because over-cautious piety eroded the rest away. (The accidental
origin of Morning Prayer as the principal act of worship on Sunday
mornings does not obviate the fact that this form of liturgy nurtured
many generations of Anglicans, and still does today.)
The liturgical materials which follow are intended to provide
resources for all those who wish to enter into the Church’s daily
38 Divine Office
offering of prayer in the morning and the evening. These resources
may be used to plan Sunday services for large or small congregations;
they may be used by house-church congregations in remote areas;
they are also intended for the weekday use of both clergy and lay
people whether they pray alone or in groups; they are intended for
colleges and religious communities. Evening Prayer may be adapted
for use in either the early evening or the late evening; responses,
psalms, and prayers associated with Compline are provided for the
latter. Whoever uses these forms of prayer is asked to approach them
creatively and adapt them as needed to the circumstances of the
persons, the place, and the occasion.
Rationale and Directions

These forms of Morning and Evening Prayer are composed of a
number of elements:
penitence
an introduction to worship
scripture reading
psalms, responsories, and canticles
affirmation of faith
prayers.
Probably all of these elements will be represented in the Sunday
worship of congregations, especially when Morning or Evening
Prayer is the principal liturgical act of the day. However, small groups
and individuals using this material for daily prayer may want to omit
or abbreviate some of these elements: e.g., the penitential rite and
affirmation of faith are hardly necessary twice a day, and a single
canticle or responsory may be sufficient after the reading or readings.
The variety of resources and alternatives contained in these forms of
Morning and Evening Prayer may, at first, intimidate those familiar
only with more rigid structures. It is important that congregations be
given the greatest possible assistance in coming to an understanding
of the structure of the rites, as well as in finding their places in the
text. Bulletin boards and pew leaflets are as necessary for the full
participation of worshippers in the Office as in the more familiar and
traditional hymns. Sometimes the unobtrusive public announcement
of page numbers is necessary. The form of the rite on any given
Divine Office 39
occasion is the result of a decision; no one should be made to feel an
outsider because they did not share in the process by which that
decision was made.
1 The Penitential Rite
The penitential introduction to Anglican forms of Morning and
Evening Prayer (like the penitential element in the eucharistic rite)
needs to be put in its historical perspective. (cf. The Holy Eucharist,
p.181). The ancient forms of prayer for morning and evening, unlike
the eucharist, contained distinct penitential elements, but this theme
was expressed in the poetry of psalms rather than in rationalized
statements of sinfulness, forgiveness, and absolution: Psalms 51 and
63 were frequently used at the beginning of the morning service and
Psalm 141 in the evening. The Penitential Rite or the appropriate
psalms may be used at either Morning Prayer or Evening Prayer; or
the penitential element may be omitted.
2 An Introduction to Worship
Penitence was always a sub-theme in both ancient and traditional
Anglican forms of prayer for morning and evening. The central theme
of Morning Prayer has always been praise, as a dedication of the day;
the central theme of Evening Prayer has been thanksgiving.
In the form of service for Morning Prayer which follows, the call to
worship is a call to praise, expressed in the Venite, the Jubilate, the
biblical hymn Christ our Passover, or another suitable psalm.
The introduction to Evening Prayer is more complicated in the
material which follows, and reflects a blending of traditions. The
Service of Light, which is offered as an optional introduction to prayer
in the evening, is based on a very ancient ceremony associated with
the lighting of the evening lamps. It consists of a greeting, a hymn to
Christ as light (Phos Hilaron), thanksgiving appropriate to the season,
and if desired, Psalm 141 as a hymn of penitence.
If the Service of Light is not used, the form of prayer for the evening
begins in a more traditional way and the hymn Phos Hilaron is sung
at this point instead. When Evening Prayer occurs in the late evening,
the alternative responses appropriate to the time of day (No. 10 on
p.100) may be used, followed by Psalm 134 as the invitatory. In any
case, the theme is one of thanksgiving.
40 Divine Office
3 Scripture Reading
When Morning or Evening Prayer is the principal service on Sunday,
the readings will normally be those found in the Proper Sentences,
Prayers, and Readings for the Church Year, on pp. 266–447; the
readings found in the Daily Office Lectionary may be used at other
offices.
Communities and individuals using these forms of service for
weekday prayer may choose their readings from a number of sources:
the Daily Office Lectionary, which is commended for those who
desire systematic and relatively sequential readings of the psalms
and scriptures;
weekday readings which may be used at the offices instead of the
Daily Office Lectionary, or at celebrations of the eucharist on
weekdays when the Daily Office Lectionary readings have been
used at the offices;
a short list of psalms and readings for other occasions, as required.
These are grouped for appropriate times of the day.
4 Psalms, Responsories, and Canticles
It is suggested in the material which follows that the psalms, which
have traditionally preceded the readings, may follow the first reading
as they do at the eucharist. This arrangement is particularly
appropriate when the readings in the Propers are used and there is an
intended relationship between the psalm and the first reading.
Although antiphons are provided for the Invitatory, they may be used
with other psalms or with the biblical canticles.
The Glory to the Father may be sung at the conclusion of the entire
portion of the psalter when more than one psalm is used. It may also
be sung after the Invitatory, the biblical hymn Christ our Passover, or
after each psalm or portion of psalm in a sequence.
Instead of the Glory to the Father silence may follow the recitation of a
psalm; the period of silence may be brought to a conclusion by the
recitation of a Psalm Prayer.
There are a number of possible responses to the readings (in addition
to the psalm for the day when it corresponds to the first reading). The
readings may be followed by silence, a canticle, a responsory, an
Divine Office 41
anthem, instrumental music, or a hymn. A combination of these
responses is often appropriate: e.g., silence and a canticle,
instrumental music and a hymn. When there is more than one
reading (as on Sunday mornings, when there should be three
readings), different options are possible in relation to different
readings. Responses should relate as closely as possible to the
readings which precede them.
The responsories are poetic arrangements of biblical material,
intended for recitation by a cantor or reader in interchange with the
congregation. Responsories may be used in place of a canticle. The
responsory is
intended to throw new light on the passage just read, to put it in
the context of the history of salvation, to lead from the Old
Testament to the New, to turn what has been read into prayer and
1
contemplation, or to provide pleasant variety by its poetic beauty.
When a responsory is used, a cantor or reader dictates the refrain and
the congregation repeats it; the congregation continues to repeat the
second half of the refrain after the verses which follow. The
responsory concludes with the first half of the Glory to the Father,
followed by the complete refrain.
5 Affirmation of Faith
An affirmation of faith may follow the liturgy of the word. The
Apostles’ Creed has been associated with the offices since about the
eighth century. The ancient creed of the synagogue, Hear, O Israel, is
provided as an alternative. This creed, used increasingly as a
substitute for the ten commandments in the entrance rite of the
eucharist since the eighteenth century, was in danger of being lost in
the process of liturgical revision. Here it is restored to something like
the central dignity it enjoyed in the synagogue tradition. The
Apostles’ Creed and the Hear, O Israel are complementary: the first
stresses faith as teaching, the second emphasizes faith as action.
6 Prayers
The prayers provide opportunity for both intercession and
thanksgiving. One of the short litanies may be used. These may be
modified as the occasion requires, or may be replaced by seasonal
litanies, or by an extempore form.
42 Divine Office
Forms of general thanksgiving are provided, but other forms of
thanksgiving may be used. It is important that the actual concerns of
members of the congregation be expressed and that members have
opportunity to articulate their cares and joys, either aloud in their
own words or during a period of silence. The prayers are completed in
a collect and the Lord’s Prayer.
When these forms of prayer are used on weekdays by people who
have attended the eucharist on the same day, the forms of
intercession and thanksgiving may appropriately be shortened.
However, the Lord’s Prayer, at least, should be offered.
Saturday Vigil of the Resurrection

A different and optional form of office has been provided for use on
Saturday night, where desired. It is a revival of an ancient weekly
welcome of Sunday as the Lord’s Day. The basic Christian festival is
Sunday as the commemoration of the resurrection of the Christ; the
vigil, dating back to the fourth century and mentioned in both
Apostolic Constitutions and the journal of Egeria, provides opportunity
for highly-focused liturgical expression of this theme.
1 The General Instruction on the Liturgy of the Hours, IX. 169.
Divine Office 43
Concerning the Services
In the forms of service for Morning and Evening Prayer, the term officiant is
used to denote the person, clerical or lay, who leads the office.
It is appropriate that other persons be assigned to read the readings, and to
lead other parts of the service not assigned to the officiant
A hymn may be sung and the offerings of the people received after the
Affirmation of Faith at Morning Prayer and Evening Prayer.
If the eucharist is to be celebrated, Morning and Evening Prayer may be
concluded after the intercessions (excluding the Lord’s Prayer) and the
eucharist may commence with (the Peace and) the Preparation of the Gifts.
44 Divine Office
The Penitential Rite
The officiant may read one or more of the following sentences of scripture, or
an opening sentence proper to the day.
The sacrifice of God is a broken spirit: a broken and contrite
heart, O God, you will not despise. Psalm 51.18
Seek the Lord while he wills to be found, call upon him when
he draws near; let the wicked forsake their ways, and the evil
ones their thoughts; and let them return to the Lord, and he
will have compassion, and to our God, for he will richly
pardon. Isaiah 55.6, 7
If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is
not in us. But if we confess our sins, God is faithful and just,
and will forgive our sins and cleanse us from all
unrighteousness. 1 John 1.8, 9
Evening
Stay with us, Lord, for evening draws on, and the day is almost
over. Luke 24.29
Seek him who made the Pleiades and Orion, and turns deep
darkness into the morning, and darkens the day into night;
who calls for the waters of the sea, and pours them out upon
the surface of the earth: the Lord is his name. Amos 5.8
Jesus said, “I am the light of the world; whoever follows me
will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.”
John 8.12
The officiant says to the people,
Dear friends in Christ,
as we prepare to worship almighty God,
let us with penitent and obedient hearts
confess our sins,
that we may obtain forgiveness
by his infinite goodness and mercy.
Penitential Rite 45
Or this: Let us confess our sins
against God and our neighbour.
Silence is kept.
The officiant and people say together,
Most merciful God,
we confess that we have sinned against you
in thought, word, and deed,
by what we have done
and by what we have left undone.
We have not loved you with our whole heart;
we have not loved our neighbours as ourselves.
We are truly sorry and we humbly repent.
For the sake of your Son Jesus Christ,
have mercy on us and forgive us,
that we may delight in your will,
and walk in your ways,
to the glory of your name. Amen.
The priest says,
Almighty God have mercy upon you,
pardon and deliver you from all your sins,
confirm and strengthen you in all goodness,
and keep you in eternal life;
through Jesus Christ our Lord.
People Amen.
A deacon or lay person using the preceding form substitutes us for you and
our for your.
When the Penitential Rite is used, the Invitatory for Morning or Evening
Prayer may follow immediately (p. 47 or 66).
46 Penitential Rite
Morning Prayer
All stand. If the Penitential Rite has not been used, the officiant may read an
opening sentence proper to the day or time of day.
Either or both of the following responses may be used. One of the alternative
introductory responses on pp. 96–100 may replace all that precedes the
Invitatory or, on ordinary weekdays, all that precedes the psalm.
Officiant Lord, open our lips,
People And our mouth shall proclaim your praise.
Officiant O God, make speed to save us.

People O Lord, make haste to help us.
All Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the

Holy Spirit: as it was in the beginning, is now,
and will be for ever. Amen.
Except in Lent, add,
Alleluia!
The Invitatory
Then follows one of the Invitatory psalms, or the Easter canticle, or a suitable
hymn.
One of the following antiphons may be said or sung before and after the
Invitatory psalm (and between the sections of the psalm, if desired).
1 God rules over all the earth: O come, let us worship.
2 The Lord is in his holy temple: O come, let us worship.
3 The Lord is our refuge and strength: O come, let
us worship.
Morning Prayer 47
4 The Lord is our light and our life: O come, let us worship.
Advent
5 The kingdom of God is at hand: O come, let us worship.
Incarnation
6 To us a child is born: O come, let us worship.
7 The Word was made flesh and dwelt among us:
O come, let us worship.
Lent
8 The Lord is full of compassion and mercy: O come, let us
worship.
Passion
9 Christ became obedient unto death: O come, let us
worship.
Easter
10 Alleluia! The Lord is risen indeed: O come, let us worship.
Ascension
11 Alleluia! The Sun of righteousness has risen: O come, let us
worship.
Pentecost
12 Alleluia! The Spirit of the Lord renews the face of the earth:
O come, let us worship.
Trinity
13 Holy, holy, holy, is the Lord God almighty: O come, let us
worship.
Saints’ Days
14 The Lord is glorious in his saints: O come, let us worship.
48 Morning Prayer
Venite
Psalm 95.1–7
Come, let us sing to the Lord; *
let us shout for joy to the rock of our salvation.
Let us come before his presence with thanksgiving *
and raise a loud shout to him with psalms.
For the Lord is a great God, *
and a great king above all gods.
In his hand are the caverns of the earth, *
and the heights of the hills are his also.
The sea is his for he made it, *
and his hands have moulded the dry land.
Come, let us bow down, and bend the knee, *
and kneel before the Lord our maker.
For he is our God,
and we are the people of his pasture and the
sheep of his hand. *
Oh, that today you would hearken to his voice!
Jubilate
Psalm 100
Be joyful in the Lord, all you lands; *
serve the Lord with gladness
and come before his presence with a song.
Know this: The Lord himself is God; *
he himself has made us, and we are his;
we are his people and the sheep of his pasture.
Enter his gates with thanksgiving;
go into his courts with praise; *
give thanks to him and call upon his name.
For the Lord is good;
his mercy is everlasting; *
and his faithfulness endures from age to age.
Morning Prayer 49
One of the following psalms may be used as the Invitatory.
Psalm 24 Psalm 63.1–8 Psalm 145
Psalm 51.1–18 Psalm 67
The following may be sung or said from Easter until Pentecost.
Christ our Passover

1 Corinthians 5.7–8; Romans 6.9–11; 1 Corinthians 15.20–22
Alleluia!
Christ our Passover has been sacrificed for us; *
therefore let us keep the feast,
Not with the old leaven, the leaven of malice and evil, *
but with the unleavened bread of sincerity and truth.
Alleluia!
Christ being raised from the dead will never die again; *
death no longer has dominion over him.
The death that he died, he died to sin, once for all; *
but the life he lives, he lives to God.
So also consider yourselves dead to sin, *
and alive to God in Jesus Christ our Lord. Alleluia!
Christ has been raised from the dead, *
the first fruits of those who have fallen asleep.
For since by a man came death, *
by a man has come also the resurrection of the dead.
For as in Adam all die, *
so also in Christ shall all be made alive. Alleluia!
The Psalms
The psalm, or psalms, precede or follow the first reading. When the theme of
the psalm is closely related to that of the reading, it is appropriate that the
psalm follow the reading as a reflection.
50 Morning Prayer
At the end of the psalm or psalms, silence may be kept and a prayer may be
said. The following may be said or sung, or omitted.
Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit:
as it was in the beginning, is now and will be for ever.
Amen.
The Proclamation of the Word

The Readings
The reading, or readings, as appointed are read, the reader first saying,
A reading from . . .
After each reading the reader may say,
The word of the Lord.
People Thanks be to God.
The congregation may stand or sit for a Gospel reading. The reader may say,
The Holy Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ
according to . . .
People Glory to you, Lord Jesus Christ.
Then at the conclusion of the Gospel, the reader says,
The Gospel of Christ.
People Praise to you, Lord Jesus Christ.
The readings may be followed by silence, a canticle, a responsory, an anthem
or other music, or a hymn. A combination of these responses may be
appropriate. The psalm, as appointed, may follow the first reading.
Morning Prayer 51
Sermon
A sermon or other comment on the readings is appropriate at principal
services on Sundays and at other major gatherings of the Christian
community. A silence for reflection may follow.
Affirmation of Faith
The Apostles’ Creed or Hear, O Israel may be said.
The Apostles’ Creed

I believe in God,
the Father almighty,
creator of heaven and earth.
I believe in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord.
He was conceived by the power of the Holy Spirit
and born of the Virgin Mary.
He suffered under Pontius Pilate,
was crucified, died, and was buried.
He descended to the dead.
On the third day he rose again.
He ascended into heaven,
and is seated at the right hand of the Father.
He will come again
to judge the living and the dead.
I believe in the Holy Spirit,
the holy catholic Church,
the communion of saints,
the forgiveness of sins,
the resurrection of the body,
and the life everlasting. Amen.
52 Morning Prayer
Or the following:
Hear, O Israel
Hear, O Israel,
the Lord our God, the Lord is one.
Love the Lord your God
with all your heart,
with all your soul,
with all your mind,
and with all your strength.
This is the first and the great commandment.
The second is like it:
Love your neighbour as yourself.
There is no commandment greater than these.
Intercessions and Thanksgivings

A deacon or lay member of the community may lead the intercessions and
thanksgivings. Intercession or thanksgiving may be offered for
the Church
the Queen and all in authority
the world
the local community
those in need
the departed.
A short litany may be selected from pp. 110–127. A thanksgiving litany and
the forms of General Thanksgiving are found on pp. 128–130. Other prayers
are found on pp. 675–684. These prayers and thanksgivings may be modified
in accordance with local need, or extempore forms of prayer may be used.
The Collect
The Collect of the Day or a collect appropriate to the time of day may be said.
Morning Prayer 53
The Lord’s Prayer
Officiant Gathering our prayers and praises into one,
let us pray as our Saviour taught us,
All 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 for ever. Amen.
Or
Officiant And now, as our Saviour Christ has taught us,
we are bold to say,
All Our Father, who art in heaven,
hallowed be thy name,
thy kingdom come,
thy will be done,
on earth as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread.
And forgive us our trespasses,
as we forgive those who trespass against us.
And lead us not into temptation,
but deliver us from evil.
For thine is the kingdom,
the power, and the glory,
for ever and ever. Amen.
54 Morning Prayer
Dismissal
Then may be said or sung,
Officiant Let us bless the Lord.
From Easter Day through the Day of Pentecost, Alleluia is added to the
dismissal and the people’s response.
The officiant may conclude with one of the following:
The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and
the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with us all evermore. Amen.
May the God of hope fill us with all joy and peace in believing
through the power of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
May the God of peace enable us to do his will in every kind of
goodness, working in us what pleases him, through Jesus
Christ, to whom be the glory for ever and ever. Amen.
The Lord bless us and keep us. The Lord make his face shine
on us and be gracious to us. The Lord look upon us with favour
and grant us peace. Amen.
Morning Prayer 55
Prayers at Mid-day
Officiant O God, make speed to save us.
People O Lord, make haste to help us.
Alleluia!
A hymn may be sung.
The following portion of Psalm 19 may be sung or said, or one or more
portions of Psalm 119. Other suitable selections include Psalms 120 to 133.
A table of psalms suitable for use at mid-day may be found on p. 524. At the
end of the psalm or psalms silence may be kept and a prayer may be said.
Glory to the Father may be said or sung or omitted.
Psalm 19 1–6
The heavens declare the glory of God, *
and the firmament shows his handiwork.
One day tells its tale to another, *
and one night imparts its knowledge to another.
Although they have no words or language, *
and their voices are not heard,
Their sound has gone out into all lands, *
and their message to the ends of the world.
In the deep has he set a pavilion for the sun; *
it comes forth like a bridegroom out of his chamber;
it rejoices like a champion to run its course.
It goes forth from the uttermost edge of the heavens
and runs about to the end of it again; *
nothing is hidden from its burning heat.
56 Mid-day Prayer
Psalm Prayer
Officiant O God, the source of all life, you have filled the
earth with beauty. Open our eyes to see your
gracious hand in all your works, that rejoicing in
your whole creation we may learn to serve you with
gladness, for the sake of him through whom all
things were made, your Son Jesus Christ our Lord.
Amen.
One of the following, or some other suitable passage of scripture, is read. A
table of readings suitable for use at mid-day may be found on p. 524.
The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience,
kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-
control. If we live by the Spirit, let us also walk by
the Spirit. Galatians 5.22, 23a, 25
Reader The word of the Lord.

Or the following:
For anyone who is in Christ, there is a new creation;
the old creation has gone, and now the new one is
here. It is all God’s work. It was God who
reconciled us to himself through Christ and gave us
the work of handing on this reconciliation.
2 Corinthians 5.17–18
Or the following:
From the rising of the sun to its setting my name
shall be great among the nations, and in every place
incense shall be offered to my name, and a pure
offering; for my name shall be great among the
nations, says the Lord of hosts. Malachi 1.11
Mid-day Prayer 57
A period of silence may follow.

Officiant Let us pray.
Lord, have mercy.
Christ, have mercy.
Lord, have mercy.
Intercessions and Thanksgivings may be offered.
The officiant then says one of the following collects or the Collect of the Day.
Heavenly Father, send your Holy Spirit into our
hearts to comfort us in all our afflictions, to defend
us from all error, and to lead us into all truth,
through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Blessed Saviour, at this hour you hung upon the
cross, stretching out your loving arms. Grant that
all the peoples of the earth may look to you and be
saved; for your tender mercies’ sake. Amen.
Almighty Saviour, at mid-day you called your
servant Saint Paul to be an apostle to the Gentiles.
Fill the world with the radiance of your glory, that
all nations may come and worship you, for you live
and reign for ever. Amen.
The Lord’s Prayer

Officiant Lord, remember us in your kingdom,
and teach us to pray,
your kingdom come,
your will be done,
58 Mid-day Prayer
Forgive us our sins
Or
we are bold to say,
thy kingdom come,
thy will be done,
Then may be said,

Mid-day Prayer 59
Evening Prayer
Evening Prayer may begin with the Service of Light or with the Penitential
Rite on p. 45 or as on p. 66. The Service of Light is not used when the
Penitential Rite is used or during Holy Week.
When Evening Prayer occurs in the late evening, the office may begin with
Introductory Response No. 10 on p. 100, followed by Psalm 134. Psalms
suitable to the late evening are 4, 31.1-5, and 91. Suitable readings may be
found on p. 524. The Song of Simeon, (No. 20 on p. 90), is a traditional late
evening canticle. Litany No. 11 on p. 118 is appropriate to the late evening.
The Service of Light

Before the Service of Light begins there should be as little artificial light as
possible. When the ministers have entered, the paschal candle, or another
large candle is lit; or the ministers may carry one or more candles as they
enter and place them before the congregation. An Advent wreath may be the
focus of the service during Advent. Before or during the singing of the hymn
Phos Hilaron, other candles and lights may be lit. If incense is to be used, it is
appropriate during the singing of Phos Hilaron or during the singing of
Psalm 141.
When the Service of Light is used in private houses, candles may be lit at the
dining table, or at some other customary place. When a meal follows, a
blessing over food may conclude the service.
60 Evening Prayer
Evening Prayer
Deacon, other assistant, or the officiant:
Light and peace in Jesus Christ our Lord.
Or
Officiant Jesus Christ is the light of the world.
People A light no darkness can extinguish.
The following hymn is sung. Another translation of the text may be used,
such as “O Gracious Light, Lord Jesus Christ” on p. 690, or “O Gladsome
light, O grace” or “Hail gladdening Light, of his pure glory poured.” On
occasion, other hymns on the same theme may be substituted.
O Gracious Light Phos Hilaron

O gracious Light,
pure brightness of the everliving Father in heaven,
O Jesus Christ, holy and blessed!
Now as we come to the setting of the sun,
and our eyes behold the vesper light,
we sing your praises, O God: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
You are worthy at all times to be sung by happy voices,
O Son of God, O Giver of life,
and to be glorified through all the worlds.
Thanksgiving
A deacon, or other assistant, or the officiant sings or says,
Let us give thanks to the Lord our God.
People It is right to give our thanks and praise.
Evening Prayer 61
One of the following thanksgivings is sung or said.
1 †
Blessed are you, O Lord our God, ruler of the universe!
You led your people Israel by a pillar of cloud by day
and a pillar of fire by night.
Enlighten our darkness by the light of your Christ.
May his word be a lamp to our feet
and a light to our path;
for you are full of loving kindness for your whole creation,
and we, your creatures, glorify you,
Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, now and for ever. Amen.
2 †
We praise and thank you, O God,
for you are without beginning and without end.
Through Christ you are the creator and preserver
of the whole world;
but, above all, you are his God and Father,
the giver of the Spirit,
and the ruler of all that is, seen and unseen.
You made the day for the works of light
and the night for the refreshment of our minds and bodies.
O loving Lord and source of all that is good,
accept our evening sacrifice of praise.
As you have conducted us through the day
and brought us to night’s beginning,
keep us now in Christ;
grant us a peaceful evening
and a night free from sin;
and, at the end, bring us to everlasting life.
Through Christ and in the Holy Spirit,
we offer you all glory, honour, and worship,
†
©
From Praise God in Song. Copyright 1979 by G.I.A. Publications, Inc.,
Chicago, Illinois. All rights reserved.
62 Evening Prayer
3 †
Blessed are you, O Lord our God, ruler of the universe!
Your word brings on the dusk of evening,
your wisdom creates both night and day.
You determine the cycles of time,
arrange the succession of seasons,
and establish the stars in their heavenly courses.
Lord of the starry hosts is your name.
Living and eternal God, rule over us always.
Blessed be the Lord, whose word makes evening fall. Amen.
4 Advent †
Blessed are you, O Lord our God, ruler of the universe,
creator of light and darkness.
In this holy season,
when the sun’s light is swallowed up
by the growing darkness of the night,
you renew your promise to reveal among us
the splendour of your glory,
enfleshed and visible to us in Jesus Christ your Son.
Through the prophets
you teach us to hope for his reign of peace.
Through the outpouring of his Spirit,
you open our blindness to the glory of his presence.
Strengthen us in our weakness.
Support us in our stumbling efforts to do your will
and free our tongues to sing your praise.
For to you all honour and blessing are due,
†
©
Evening Prayer 63
5 Christmas and Epiphany †
Blessed are you, Lord our God,
our eternal Father and David’s king.
You have made our gladness greater and increased our joy
by sending to dwell among us
the Wonderful Counsellor, the Prince of Peace.
Born of Mary,
proclaimed to the shepherds,
and acknowledged to the ends of the earth,
your unconquered Sun of righteousness
destroys our darkness and establishes us in freedom.
All glory in the highest be to you,
through Christ, the Son of your favour,
in the anointing love of his Spirit,
this night and for ever and ever. Amen.
6 Lent †
Blessed are you, O Lord our God,
the shepherd of Israel,
their pillar of cloud by day,
their pillar of fire by night.
In these forty days you lead us
into the desert of repentance
that in this pilgrimage of prayer
we might learn to be your people once more.
In fasting and service
you bring us back to your heart.
You open our eyes to your presence in the world
and you free our hands to lead others
to the radiant splendour of your mercy.
Be with us in these journey days
for without you we are lost and will perish.
To you alone be dominion and glory,
†
©
64 Evening Prayer
7 Resurrection †
We praise and thank you, O God our Father,
through your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord.
Through him you have enlightened us
by revealing the light that never fades,
for dark death has been destroyed
and radiant life is everywhere restored.
What was promised is fulfilled:
we have been joined to God,
through renewed life in the Spirit of the risen Lord.
Glory and praise to you, our Father,
through Jesus your Son,
who lives and reigns with you and the Spirit,
in the kingdom of light eternal,
Where desired, in places where incense is customary, incense may be offered

while all or part of Psalm 141 is sung or said, with a refrain such as
Let my prayer be set forth in your sight as incense.
After the service of light, Evening Prayer may continue with the psalm or first
reading as appropriate.
†
©
Evening Prayer 65
Evening Prayer
All stand. If the Penitential Rite has not been used, the officiant may say one
of the sentences proper to the day or time of day.
Either the following responses or one of the alternative introductory responses
on pp. 96–100 may be used.
Officiant O Lord, I call to you; come to me quickly;
People Hear my voice when I cry to you.
Officiant Let my prayer be set forth in your sight as
incense,
People The lifting up of my hands as the evening
sacrifice.
Alleluia!
The Invitatory
If the Service of Light has not been celebrated, the Invitatory hymn or psalm
follows.
O Gracious Light Phos Hilaron

O gracious Light,
pure brightness of the everliving Father in heaven,
O Jesus Christ, holy and blessed!
Now as we come to the setting of the sun,
and our eyes behold the vesper light,
we sing your praises, O God: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
66 Evening Prayer
You are worthy at all times to be praised by happy voices,
O Son of God, O Giver of life,
and to be glorified through all the worlds.
Or
Psalm 134
Behold now, bless the Lord, all you servants of the Lord, *
you that stand by night in the house of the Lord.
Lift up your hands in the holy place and bless the Lord; *
the Lord who made heaven and earth bless you out of Zion.
Or the Easter canticle (p. 50) may follow between Easter and Pentecost, if it
has not been said or sung at Morning Prayer.
The Psalms
The psalm, or psalms, precede or follow the first reading. When the theme of
the psalm is closely related to that of the reading, it is appropriate that the
psalm follow the reading as a reflection.
At the end of the psalm or psalms, silence may be kept and a prayer may be
said. The following may be said or sung, or omitted.
as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be for ever.
Amen.

The Readings
The reading, or readings, as appointed are read, the reader first saying,
A reading from . . .
Evening Prayer 67
After each lesson the reader may say,
The congregation may stand or sit for a Gospel reading. The reader may say,
The Holy Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ
according to . . .
Then at the conclusion of the Gospel, the reader says,
The readings may be followed by silence, a canticle, a responsory, an anthem
or other music, or a hymn. A combination of these responses may be
appropriate. The psalm, as appointed, may follow the first reading.
Sermon
A sermon or other comment on the readings is appropriate at principal
services on Sundays and at other major gatherings of the Christian
community. A silence for reflection may follow.
Affirmation of Faith
The Apostles’ Creed or Hear, O Israel may be said.

I believe in God,
68 Evening Prayer
He will come again
Or the following:
Hear, O Israel
Hear, O Israel,
the Lord our God, the Lord is one.
Love the Lord your God
with all your heart,
with all your soul,
with all your mind,
and with all your strength.
This is the first and the great commandment.
The second is like it:
Love your neighbour as yourself.
There is no commandment greater than these.
Evening Prayer 69
Intercessions and Thanksgivings
A deacon or lay member of the community may lead the intercessions and
thanksgivings. Intercession or thanksgiving may be offered for
the Church
the world
the local community
those in need
the departed.
A short litany may be selected from pp. 110–127. A thanksgiving litany and
the forms of General Thanksgiving are found on pp. 128–130. Other prayers
are found on pp. 675–684. These prayers and thanksgivings may be modified
in accordance with local need, or extempore forms of prayer may be used.
The Collect
The Collect of the Day or a collect appropriate to the time of day may be said.
The Lord’s Prayer

Officiant Gathering our prayers and praises into one,
your kingdom come,
your will be done,
Forgive us our sins
Or
70 Evening Prayer
we are bold to say,
thy kingdom come,
thy will be done,
Dismissal
The officiant may conclude with one of the following:
The Lord almighty grant us a quiet night and peace at the last.
Amen.
May the God of hope fill us with all joy and peace in believing
through the power of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and
the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with us all evermore.
Amen.
May the peace of God, which passes all understanding, keep
our hearts and minds in Christ Jesus. Amen.
May the Lord of peace give us peace in all ways and at all
times. Amen.
Evening Prayer 71
Canticles
Tables of Suggested Canticles
The following tables provide suggestions for groups and individuals
who pray the Divine Office. A choice of several canticles is given for
Sundays. Two canticles are given for each weekday; they may be used
in several ways.
a One canticle may be used in the morning and the other in the
evening.
b Both canticles may be used in the morning and the Song of Mary
or the Song of Simeon in the evening.
c One of the canticles may be used with the Song of Zechariah in the
morning, and the other in the evening.
d They may be spread over twice as many weeks, using one with the
Song of Zechariah in the morning, and the Song of Mary or the
Song of Simeon in the evening.
e They may be combined with the use of the Responsories on
pp.101–109.
Canticles Through the Year

Week 1
Sun 19 Song of Zechariah, 26 You are God;
18 Song of Mary, 20 Song of Simeon.
Mon 13 Song of Praise * 7 The New Jerusalem

Tue 2 Song of Peace * 17 The Beatitudes
Wed 14 Song of Creation 1 * 10 The Souls of the Righteous
Thu 12 The Bread of Heaven * 21 God’s Plan of Salvation
Fri 5 The Lord’s Servant * 23 Song of the First-Born
Sat 11 Song of Wisdom * 25 Song of the Multitude in Heaven
72 Canticles
Week 2
Sun 19 Song of Zechariah, 26 You are God;
Mon 15 Song of Creation 2 * 4 Song of Good News

Tue 3 Song of Thanksgiving * 24 Song to the Lamb
Wed 16 Song of Creation 3 * 9 Song from Ezekiel
Thu 8 Song from Jeremiah * 27 Glory to God
Fri 6 Seek the Lord * 22 Jesus Christ is Lord
Sat 1 Song of Moses * 25 Song of the Multitude in Heaven
Canticles for Advent

Sun 7 The New Jerusalem, 19 Song of Zechariah;
Mon 4 Song of Good News * 24 Song to the Lamb

Tue 2 Song of Peace * 17 The Beatitudes
Wed 6 Seek the Lord * 21 God’s Plan of Salvation
Thu 7 The New Jerusalem * 23 Song of the First-Born
Fri 8 Song from Jeremiah * 22 Jesus Christ is Lord
Sat 3 Song of Thanksgiving * 25 Song of the Multitude in
Heaven
Canticles for Lent

Sun 6 Seek the Lord, 17 The Beatitudes;
9 Song from Ezekiel, 19 Song of Zechariah;
Mon 6 Seek the Lord * 23 Song of the First-Born

Tue 2 Song of Peace * 9 Song from Ezekiel
Wed 3 Song of Thanksgiving * 10 The Souls of the Righteous
Thu 8 Song from Jeremiah * 22 Jesus Christ is Lord
Fri 5 The Lord’s Servant * 17 The Beatitudes
Sat 4 Song of Good News * 21 God’s Plan of Salvation
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Canticles for Eastertide
Sun 1 Song of Moses, 26 You are God;
19 Song of Zechariah, 27 Glory to God;
Mon 11 Song of Wisdom * 23 Song of the First-Born

Tue 7 The New Jerusalem * 21 God’s Plan of Salvation
Wed 8 Song from Jeremiah * 24 Song to the Lamb
Thu 12 The Bread of Heaven * 27 Glory to God
Fri 9 Song from Ezekiel * 22 Jesus Christ is Lord
Sat 1 Song of Moses * 25 Song of the Multitude in Heaven
Canticles for Festivals

Feasts of Our Lord Major Saints’ Days
7 The New Jerusalem 10 The Souls of the Righteous
18 Song of Mary 16 Song of Creation 3
19 Song of Zechariah 17 The Beatitudes
20 Song of Simeon 18 Song of Mary
21 God’s Plan of Salvation 19 Song of Zechariah
22 Jesus Christ is Lord 20 Song of Simeon
23 Song of the First-Born 24 Song to the Lamb
24 Song to the Lamb 25 Song of the Multitude in Heaven
25 Song of the Multitude in Heaven 26 You are God
26 You are God 27 Glory to God
27 Glory to God
Other translations of these canticles may be used.
74 Canticles
1 The Song of Moses
Exodus 15.1–3, 6, 11, 13, 17–18
I will sing to the Lord for his glorious triumph; *
the horse and the rider he has hurled into the sea.
The Lord has become my strength and refuge; *
the Lord himself has become my saviour.
He is my God and I will praise him; *
my father’s God and I will exalt him.
The Lord himself is a mighty warrior; *
the Lord, the Lord is his name.
Your right hand, O Lord, is majestic in power; *
your right hand, O Lord, shatters the enemy.
Who is like you, O Lord, among the gods, *
holy, awesome, worker of wonders?
In steadfast love you led your people, *
you guided your redeemed with your great strength.
You brought them in safety to your holy place, *
and planted them firm on your own mountain.
You brought them into your own house. *
The Lord shall reign for ever and ever.
2 Song of Peace
Isaiah 2.2–5
In the days to come *
the mountain of the house of the Lord
shall tower as the highest of mountains *
and be raised above the hills.
There shall all the nations flow; *
many peoples shall come and say,
“Let us go up to the mountain of the Lord, *
to the house of the God of Jacob,
that he may teach us his ways *
that we may walk in his paths.”
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For the law shall go out from Zion, *
from Jerusalem the word of the Lord.
He shall judge between the nations *
and decide for many peoples.
They shall beat their swords into ploughshares, *
their spears into pruning-knives;
nation shall not lift sword against nation; *
they shall never train for war again.
O people of Jacob, come, *
let us walk in the light of the Lord.
3 Song of Thanksgiving
Isaiah 12.2–6
Surely, it is God who saves me; *
I will trust in him and not be afraid.
For the Lord is my stronghold and my sure defence, *
and he will be my Saviour.
Therefore you shall draw water with rejoicing *
from the springs of salvation.
And on that day you shall say, *
Give thanks to the Lord and call upon his name;
make his deeds known among the peoples; *
see that they remember that his name is exalted.
Sing the praises of the Lord, for he has done great things, *
and this is known in all the world.
Cry aloud, inhabitants of Zion, ring out your joy, *
for the great one in the midst of you is the Holy One of Israel.
4 Song of Good News

Isaiah 40.9–11
Go up to a high mountain, *
O Zion, herald of joy;
lift up your voice in strength, *
Jerusalem, herald of joy;
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Lift it up, fear not; *
say to the cities of Judah:
”Behold your God!
Behold, the Lord comes in might, *
comes to rule with his mighty arm;
behold, his reward is with him, *
his recompense before him.
Like a shepherd will he feed his flock, *
gathering the lambs in his arms;
he will hold them to his breast *
and gently lead those with young.”
5 The Lord’s Servant

Isaiah 53.3–6
He was despised; he was rejected, *
a man of sorrows, acquainted with grief.
As one from whom people hide their faces, *
he was despised, and we esteemed him not.
Ours were the sufferings he bore, *
ours the torments he endured,
while we thought he was being punished, *
struck by God and brought low.
He was pierced for our sins, *
bruised for no fault but ours.
His punishment has won our peace, *
and by his wounds we are healed.
We had all strayed like sheep, *
all taking our own way;
but the Lord laid on him *
the guilt of us all.
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6 Seek the Lord
Isaiah 55.6–11
Seek the Lord while he wills to be found; *
call upon him when he draws near.
Let the wicked forsake their ways *
and the evil ones their thoughts;
And let them turn to the Lord, and he will have compassion, *
and to our God, for he will richly pardon.
For my thoughts are not your thoughts, *
nor your ways my ways, says the Lord.
For as the heavens are higher than the earth, *
so are my ways higher than your ways,
and my thoughts than your thoughts.
For as rain and snow fall from the heavens *
and return not again, but water the earth,
Bringing forth life and giving growth, *
seed for sowing and bread for eating,
So is my word that goes forth from my mouth; *
it will not return to me empty;
But it will accomplish that which I have purposed, *
and prosper in that for which I sent it.
7 The New Jerusalem

Isaiah 60.1–3, 11ab, 14cd, 18–19
Arise, shine, for your light has come; *
the glory of the Lord has risen upon you.
Though night still covers the earth *
and darkness covers the nations,
Over you will the Lord arise, *
over you will his glory appear.
Nations will stream to your light *
and kings to your dawning brightness.
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Your gates will always be open; *
day or night, they will never be shut.
They will call you, The City of the Lord, *
The Zion of the Holy One of Israel.
Violence will no more be heard in your land, *
ruin or destruction within your borders;
you will name your walls, Salvation, *
you will call your gates, Praise.
No longer will the sun be your light by day, *
no longer the moon give you light by night;
the Lord will be your eternal light; *
your God will be your glory.
8 Song from Jeremiah

Jeremiah 31.10–14
Hear the word of the Lord, O nations; *
tell it on the far-off shores:
“He who scattered Israel will gather *
and guard them as a shepherd his flock.”
For the Lord has ransomed Jacob, *
redeemed them from a foe too strong.
They will come and sing for joy on Zion’s height, *
radiant at the bounty of the Lord:
the grain, the new wine, the oil, *
the young of flock and herd.
Their life like a watered garden, *
they will never want again.
Then will maidens show their joy in the dance; *
men, young and old, will rejoice.
I shall turn their mourning into gladness, *
give comfort and joy for their sorrow.
I shall satisfy the priests with abundance, *
and fill my people with my bounty.
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9 A Song from Ezekiel
Ezekiel 36.24–28
I will take you from the nations,
and gather you from every country,
and bring you home to your own land.
I will pour clean water upon you,
purify you from all defilement,
and cleanse you from all your idols.
A new heart I will give you,
and put a new spirit within you;
I will take from your body the heart of stone
and give you a heart of flesh.
I will put my spirit within you,
make you walk in my ways
and observe my decrees.
You shall dwell in the land
I gave to your forebears;
you shall be my people
and I will be your God.
10 The Souls of the Righteous

Wisdom 3.1–8
The souls of the righteous are in the hand of God; *
no torment shall ever touch them.
In the eyes of the unwise they seemed to be dead, *
their departure was taken for defeat,
their going from us to be disaster; *
but they are in peace.
Though they appeared to be punished *
their hope is rich in immortality.
Small their affliction, great their blessing; *
God proved and found them worthy of himself.
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Like gold in a furnace he tried them, *
and accepted them as an oblation.
In the moment of God’s coming
they shall kindle into flame *
and run like sparks through the stubble.
They shall govern nations and peoples, *
and the Lord shall be their ruler for ever.
11 A Song of Wisdom
Wisdom 10.15–19, 20b–21
Wisdom freed from a nation of oppressors *
a holy people and blameless race.
She entered the soul of a servant of the Lord, *
withstood dread kings with wonders and signs.
To the saints she gave the reward of their labours, *
and led them by a marvellous way;
she was their shelter by day *
and their starlight through the night.
She brought them across the Red Sea, *
led them through mighty waters,
but their enemies she swallowed in the waves *
and spat them out from the depths of the abyss.
Lord, the righteous sang hymns to your name, *
and praised with one voice your protecting hand,
for Wisdom opened the mouths of the dumb, *
and gave speech to the tongues of babes.
12 The Bread of Heaven

Wisdom 16.20–21, 26
You gave your people angels’ food *
and sent them bread from heaven,
ready to eat, though they did no work, *
rich in delights, and suiting every taste.
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The food which you gave *
showed your sweetness toward your children.
It served the desire of those who ate, *
was changed to the flavour each one wished;
That the children you love might learn, O God, *
that not by various crops are they fed,
but it is your word which sustains *
all those who trust in you.
13 A Song of Praise
Song of the Three 29–34
Glory to you, Lord God of our fathers; *
you are worthy of praise, glory to you.
Glory to you for the radiance of your holy name; *
we will praise you and highly exalt you for ever.
Glory to you in the splendour of your temple; *
on the throne of your majesty, glory to you.
Glory to you, seated between the Cherubim; *
Glory to you, beholding the depths; *
in the high vault of heaven, glory to you.
Glory to you, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit; *
14 A Song of Creation 1
Song of the Three 35–51
Invocation
Glorify the Lord, all you works of the Lord, *
praise him and highly exalt him for ever.
In the firmament of his power, glorify the Lord, *
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The Cosmic Order
Glorify the Lord, you angels and all powers of the Lord, *
O heavens and all waters above the heavens.
Sun and moon and stars of the sky, glorify the Lord, *
Glorify the Lord, every shower of rain and fall of dew, *
all winds and fire and heat.
Winter and summer, glorify the Lord, *
Glorify the Lord, O chill and cold, *
drops of dew and flakes of snow.
Frost and cold, ice and sleet, glorify the Lord, *
Glorify the Lord, O nights and days, *
O shining light and enfolding dark.
Storm clouds and thunderbolts, glorify the Lord, *
Doxology
Let us glorify the Lord: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit; *
Song of the Three 35–36, 52–60
Invocation
Canticles 83
The Earth and its Creatures
Let the earth glorify the Lord. *
Glorify the Lord, O mountains and hills,
and all that grows upon the earth, *
Glorify the Lord, O springs of water, seas, and streams, *
O whales and all that move in the waters.
All birds of the air, glorify the Lord, *
Glorify the Lord, O beasts of the wild, *
and all you flocks and herds.
O men and women everywhere, glorify the Lord, *
Doxology
Song of the Three 35–36, 61–65
Invocation
The People of God
Let the people of God glorify the Lord, *
Glorify the Lord, O priests and servants of the Lord, *
Glorify the Lord, O spirits and souls of the righteous, *
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You that are holy and humble of heart, glorify the Lord, *
Doxology
17 The Beatitudes
Matthew 5.3–12
Blessed are the poor in spirit, *
for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Blessed are those who mourn, *
for they shall be comforted.
Blessed are the gentle, *
for they shall inherit the earth.
Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for what is right, *
for they shall be satisfied.
Blessed are the merciful, *
for mercy shall be shown to them.
Blessed are the pure in heart, *
for they shall see God.
Blessed are the peacemakers, *
for they shall be called children of God.
Blessed are those who are persecuted in the cause of right, *
for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Blessed are you when others revile you and persecute you *
and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely for my sake.
Rejoice and be glad, *
for your reward is great in heaven.
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18a The Song of Mary
Luke 1.46–55
My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord,
my spirit rejoices in God my Saviour; *
for he has looked with favour on his lowly servant.
From this day all generations will call me blessed: *
the Almighty has done great things for me,
and holy is his name.
He has mercy on those who fear him *
in every generation.
He has shown the strength of his arm, *
he has scattered the proud in their conceit.
He has cast down the mighty from their thrones, *
and has lifted up the lowly.
He has filled the hungry with good things, *
and the rich he has sent away empty.
He has come to the help of his servant Israel, *
for he has remembered his promise of mercy,
the promise he made to our fathers, *
to Abraham and his children for ever.
Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit: *
Amen.
18b † Metre: 10 10 10 10
Tell out, my soul, the greatness of the Lord!
Unnumbered blessings, give my spirit voice;
tender to me the promise of his word;
to God my Saviour shall my heart rejoice.
†
©
Copyright 1965 by Hope Publishing Co., Carol Stream, IL 60188. All
rights reserved. Used by permission.
86 Canticles
Tell out, my soul, the greatness of his name!
Make known his might, the deeds his arm has done;
his mercy sure, from age to age the same;
his holy name–the Lord, the mighty one.
Tell out, my soul, the greatness of his might!
Powers and dominions lay their glory by;
proud hearts and stubborn wills are put to flight,
the hungry fed, the humble lifted high.
Tell out, my soul, the glories of his word!
Firm is his promise, and his mercy sure.
Tell out, my soul, the greatness of the Lord
to children’s children and for evermore!
18c † Metre: 8 8 8 8
My soul gives glory to the Lord,
in God my Saviour I rejoice.
My lowliness he did regard,
exalting me by his own choice.
From this day all shall call me blest,
for he has done great things for me.
Of all great names his is the best.
For it is holy; strong is he!
His mercy goes to all who fear
from age to age and to all parts.
His arm of strength to all is near;
he scatters those who have proud hearts.
He casts the mighty from their throne
and raises those of low degree;
he feeds the hungry as his own,
the rich depart in poverty.
†
©
Canticles 87
He raised his servant, Israel,
rememb’ring his eternal grace.
As from of old he did foretell
to Abraham and to his race.
O Father, Son, and Spirit blest,
in three-fold name are you adored;
to you be ev’ry prayer addressed,
from age to age the only Lord.
19a The Song of Zechariah

Luke 1.68–79
Blessed be the Lord, the God of Israel; *
he has come to his people and set them free.
He has raised up for us a mighty Saviour, *
born of the house of his servant David.
Through his holy prophets he promised of old,
that he would save us from our enemies, *
from the hands of all who hate us.
He promised to show mercy to our fathers *
and to remember his holy covenant.
This was the oath he swore to our father Abraham, *
to set us free from the hands of our enemies,
free to worship him without fear, *
holy and righteous in his sight
all the days of our life.
You, my child, shall be called the prophet
of the Most High, *
for you will go before the Lord to prepare his way,
to give his people knowledge of salvation *
by the forgiveness of their sins.
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In the tender compassion of our God *
the dawn from on high shall break upon us,
to shine on those who dwell in darkness and the shadow
of death, *
and to guide our feet into the way of peace.
Amen.
19b Metre: 8 6 8 6 D
Bless’d be the God of Israel,
the ever-living Lord,
who comes in pow’r to save his own,
his people Israel.
For Israel he raises up
salvation’s tow’r on high
in David’s house who reigned as king
and servant of the Lord.
Through holy prophets did he speak
his word in days of old,
that he would save us from our foes
and all who bear us ill.
To our ancestors did he give
his covenant of love;
so with us all he keeps his word
in love that knows no end.
Of old he gave his solemn oath
to Father Abraham;
his seed a mighty race should be
and bless’d for evermore.
He vowed to set his people free
from fear of ev’ry foe
that we might serve him all our days
in goodness, love, and peace.
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O tiny child, your name shall be
the prophet of the Lord;
the way of God you shall prepare
to make his coming known.
You shall proclaim to Israel
salvation’s dawning day
when God shall wipe away all sins
in his redeeming love.
The rising sun shall shine on us
to bring the light of day
to all who sit in darkest night
and shadow of the grave.
Our footsteps God shall safely guide
to walk the ways of peace.
His name for evermore be bless’d
who lives and loves and saves.
20 The Song of Simeon

Luke 2.29–32
Lord, now you let your servant go in peace; *
your word has been fulfilled.
My own eyes have seen the salvation *
which you have prepared in the sight of every people;
a light to reveal you to the nations *
and the glory of your people Israel.
Amen.
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21 God’s Plan of Salvation
Ephesians 1.3–7
Blessed be the God and Father
of our Lord Jesus Christ, *
who has blessed us in Christ
with all the spiritual blessings of heaven.
God chose us in Christ
before the world was made *
to be holy and blameless,
and to live by his love in his presence.
God planned through Jesus Christ *
to bring us to himself as his children,
that we might praise the glory of his grace, *
his free gift to us in the Beloved.
In Christ we gain redemption;
through his blood our sins are forgiven. *
How rich is the grace of God!
22a Jesus Christ is Lord

Philippians 2.6–11
Christ Jesus, by nature divine,
did not grasp for himself
a rank as equal with God.
He chose to empty himself,
becoming a humble slave,
and living the life of a man.
And human in every way,
he abased himself still more,
obedient to death on a cross.
So God has exalted him on high,
and given to him the name,
the greatest of all the names;
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So that at Jesus’ name
every knee should bend low
in heaven, on earth, in the depths,
And every tongue proclaim:
Jesus Christ is Lord,
to the glory of God the Father!
22b Metre: 10 10 10 4
All praise to thee, for thou, O King divine,
didst yield the glory that of right was thine,
that in our darkened hearts thy grace might shine:
alleluia!
Thou cam’st to us in lowliness of thought;
by thee the outcast and the poor were sought,
and by thy death was God’s salvation wrought:
alleluia!
Let this mind be in us which was in thee,
who wast a servant that we might be free,
humbling thyself to death on Calvary:
alleluia!
Wherefore, by God’s eternal purpose, thou
art high exalted o’er all creatures now,
and given the name to which all knees shall bow:
alleluia!
Let every tongue confess with one accord
in heaven and earth that Jesus Christ is Lord;
and God the Father be by all adored:
alleluia!
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23 Song of the First-Born
Colossians 1.15–20
Christ is the image of the unseen God, *
the first-born of all creation,
for in him were all things made, *
in heaven and on earth.
Through him and for him were all things made,
before all he exists, holds all things in one. *
The Church is his body, and he is its head.
He is the beginning, the first-born from the dead; *
in all things he alone is supreme.
God made all his fullness to dwell in him, *
to reconcile through him all creation to himself,
everything on earth and everything in heaven, *
all gathered into peace by his death on the cross.
24 A Song to the Lamb

Revelation 4.11; 5.9–10, 13
Splendour and honour and kingly power *
are yours by right, O Lord our God,
For you created everything that is, *
and by your will they were created and have their being;
And yours by right, O Lamb that was slain, *
for with your blood you have redeemed for God,
From every family, language, people, and nation, *
a kingdom of priests to serve our God on earth.
And so, to him who sits upon the throne, *
and to Christ the Lamb,
Be worship and praise, dominion and splendour, *
for ever and for evermore.
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25 Song of the Multitude in Heaven
Revelation 19.1, 2, 5–7
Alleluia!
To our God belong victory, glory, and power, *
for right and just are his judgements.
Praise our God, all you who serve him, *
you who fear him, great and small.
Alleluia!
The Lord God almighty has claimed his kingdom. *
Let us rejoice and triumph and give him praise:
the time has come for the wedding-feast of the Lamb.
26 You are God

You are God: we praise you;
you are the Lord: we acclaim you;
you are the eternal Father:
all creation worships you.
To you all angels, all the powers of heaven,
Cherubim and Seraphim, sing in endless praise:
Holy, holy, holy Lord, God of power and might,
heaven and earth are full of your glory.
The glorious company of apostles praise you.
The noble fellowship of prophets praise you.
The white-robed army of martyrs praise you.
Throughout the world the holy Church acclaims you:
Father, of majesty unbounded,
your true and only Son, worthy of all worship,
and the Holy Spirit, advocate and guide.
You, Christ, are the King of Glory,
the eternal Son of the Father.
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When you became man to set us free
you did not shun the Virgin’s womb.
You overcame the sting of death
and opened the kingdom of heaven to all believers.
You are seated at God’s right hand in glory.
We believe that you will come, and be our judge.
Come then, Lord, and help your people,
bought with the price of your own blood,
and bring us with your saints
to glory everlasting.
27 Glory to God
Glory to God in the highest,
and peace to his people on earth.
Lord God, heavenly king,
almighty God and Father,
we worship you, we give you thanks,
we praise you for your glory.
Lord Jesus Christ, only Son of the Father,
Lord God, Lamb of God,
you take away the sin of the world:
have mercy on us;
you are seated at the right hand of the Father:
receive our prayer.
For you alone are the Holy One,
you alone are the Lord,
you alone are the Most High,
Jesus Christ,
with the Holy Spirit,
in the glory of God the Father. Amen.
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Introductory Responses
These alternative introductory responses may be used at the beginning of
Morning Prayer and Evening Prayer instead of O God, make speed to
save us, etc., and O Lord, I call to you, etc. On weekdays they may
replace all that precedes the Psalm.
1 Advent
Restore us, O Lord God of hosts;
Show the light of your countenance, and we shall be saved.
Will you not give us life again,
That your people may rejoice in you?
Show us your mercy, O Lord,
And grant us your salvation.
Blessed is the King who comes in the name of the Lord!
Peace in heaven and glory in the highest.
2 Incarnation
Blessed be the Lord, the God of Israel,
May all the earth be filled with his glory.
Light has sprung up for the righteous,
And joyful gladness for those who are true-hearted.
Glory to God in the highest,
And peace to his people on earth.
3 Christmas and Epiphany

The first paragraph or the second paragraph may be omitted.
Blessed are you, O Christ, Son of God,
you were before time began
and came into the world to save us.
Blessed are you, Sun of righteousness;
96 Introductory Responses
you shine with the Father’s love
and illumine the whole universe.
Blessed are you, Son of Mary;
born a child, you shared our humanity.
Let heaven and earth shout their praise.
Blessed are you, Son of David;
born to rule,
you received gifts from the wise men.
Blessed are you, Son of Man;
baptized by John,
you saved us from ourselves.
Blessed are you, heavenly King;
teaching and preaching, healing and comforting,
you proclaimed the kingdom.
With all the voices of heaven
we celebrate the coming of our Saviour.
With all the creatures on earth
we sing and dance at his birth.
Praise and honour and glory to you, O Lord most high.
4 Repentance
Cast your burden upon the Lord,
And he will sustain you.
Create in me a clean heart, O God,
And renew a right spirit within me.
Cast me not away from your presence
And take not your Holy Spirit from me.
Give me the joy of your saving help again
And sustain me with your bountiful Spirit.
Blessed be the Lord day by day,
The God of our salvation, who bears our burdens.
5 The Cross
Christ became obedient unto death for us,
Even death upon a cross.
He was pierced for our sins,
Bruised for no fault but ours.
His punishment has won our peace,
And by his wounds we are healed.
Worthy is the Lamb that was slain
to receive power and riches and wisdom,
Strength, honour, glory, and praise. Amen.
6 Resurrection
Alleluia! Christ is risen.
The Lord is risen indeed. Alleluia!
Praise the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.
He gave us new life and hope
by raising Jesus from the dead.
Rejoice, then, even in your distress.
We shall be counted worthy when Christ appears.
God has claimed us as his own.
He called us from our darkness into the light of his day.
Alleluia! Christ is risen.
The Lord is risen indeed. Alleluia!
7 Pentecost and other times as appropriate

God’s love has been poured into our hearts.
We dwell in him and he in us.
Give thanks to the Lord and call upon his name;
Make known his deeds among the peoples.
Sing to him, sing praises to him,
And speak of all his marvellous works.
Holy, holy, holy, is the Lord God almighty,
Who was and is and is to come!
8 Major Saints’ Days

Great is the Lord and greatly to be praised;
There is no end of his greatness.
One generation shall praise your works to another
And shall declare your power.
All your works praise you, O Lord,
And your faithful servants bless you.
They make known the glory of your kingdom
And speak of your power.
My mouth shall speak the praise of the Lord;
Let all flesh bless his holy name for ever and ever.
9 General
Blessed be God: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
And blessed be his kingdom, now and for ever. Amen.
Come, let us worship God our King.
Come, let us worship Christ, our King and our God.
Come, let us worship Christ among us, our King and our God.
Holy God,
holy and mighty,
holy immortal one,
have mercy upon us.
When it is sung, Holy God, etc., may be repeated three times.
10 Late Evening
Into your hands, O Lord, I commend my spirit;
For you have redeemed me, O Lord, O God of truth.
Amen.
Alleluia!

Responsories
1
In the evening tears;
* in the morning shouts of joy.
I will exalt you, O Lord, because you have lifted me up
and have not let my enemies triumph over me.
In the morning shouts of joy.
Sing to the Lord, you servants of his;
give thanks for the remembrance of his holiness.
You have turned my wailing into dancing;
you have put off my sack-cloth and clothed me with joy.
My heart sings to you without ceasing;
O Lord my God, I will give you thanks for ever.
Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit.
2
My life is in your hand, deliver me;
* shine on your servant with the light of your love.
In you, O Lord, have I taken refuge;
let me never be put to shame.
Shine on your servant with the light of your love.
Responsories 101
Incline your ear to me;
make haste to deliver me.
Be my strong rock, a castle to keep me safe;
for the sake of your name, lead me and guide me.
I put my trust in the Lord;
I will rejoice and be glad because of your mercy.
3
The eyes of the Lord are upon the righteous;
* to the brokenhearted the Lord is near.
I will bless the Lord at all times;
his praise shall ever be in my mouth.
To the brokenhearted the Lord is near.
Look upon him and be radiant,
and let your faces not be ashamed.
The righteous cry, and the Lord hears them
and delivers them from all their troubles.
The Lord ransoms the life of his servants,
and none will be punished who trust in him.
102 Responsories
4
In my mouth he has put a new song:
* praise to our God!
I waited patiently upon the Lord;
he stooped to me and heard my cry.
Praise to our God!
Many shall see, and stand in awe,
and put their trust in the Lord.
Praise to our God!
I love to do your will, O my God;
your law is deep in my heart.
Praise to our God!
I proclaimed righteousness in the great congregation;
behold, I did not restrain my lips.
Praise to our God!
5
The Lord is with us, he is our stronghold;
* God will help at the break of day.
Responsories 103
God is our refuge and strength,
a very present help in trouble.
God will help at the break of day.
We will not fear, though the earth be moved,
and though the mountains be toppled into the depths
of the sea.
Come now and look upon the works of the Lord,
what awesome things he has done on earth.
“Be still and know that I am God;
I will be exalted among the nations;
I will be exalted in the earth.”
6
From age to age my mouth will proclaim your faithfulness;
* your love, O Lord, for ever will I sing.
I am persuaded that your love is established for ever;
you have set your faithfulness firmly in the heavens.
Your love, O Lord, for ever will I sing.
The heavens bear witness to your wonders, O Lord,
and to your faithfulness in the assembly of the holy ones.
Who is like you, Lord God of hosts?
O mighty Lord, your faithfulness is all around you.
104 Responsories
Righteousness and justice are the foundations
of your throne;
love and truth go before your face.
7 Advent
My soul waits for the Lord;
* in his word is my hope.
Out of the depths have I called to you, O Lord;
Lord, hear my voice.
In his word is my hope.
There is forgiveness with you;
therefore you shall be feared.
My soul waits for the Lord,
more than watchmen for the morning.
O Israel, wait for the Lord,
for with the Lord there is mercy.
8 Incarnation
His salvation is near to those who fear him:
* his glory shall dwell in our land.
Responsories 105
His salvation is near to those who fear him:
I will listen to what the Lord God is saying,
for he is speaking peace to his faithful people
and to those who turn their hearts to him.
His glory shall dwell in our land.
Mercy and truth have met together;
righteousness and peace have kissed each other.
Truth shall spring up from the earth,
and righteousness shall look down from heaven.
Righteousness shall go before him,
and peace shall be a pathway for his feet.
His salvation is near to those who fear him;
9 Lent
* make haste to answer when I call.
Lord, hear my prayer,
and let my cry come before you.
Make haste to answer when I call.
Hide not your face from me
in the day of my trouble.
106 Responsories
You, O Lord, endure for ever,
and your name from age to age.
You will arise and have compassion on Zion,
for it is time to have pity upon her.
10 The Cross
Surely he has borne our griefs;
* he has carried our sorrows.
He was despised; he was rejected,
a man of sorrows and acquainted with grief.
He has carried our sorrows.
He was pierced for our sins,
bruised for no fault but ours.
His punishment has won our peace,
and by his wounds we are healed.
We had all strayed like sheep,
but the Lord has laid on him the guilt of us all.
Responsories 107
11 Resurrection
Let the voice of God’s praise resound;
* he gives life to our souls.
Be joyful in God, all you lands;
sing the glory of his name.
He gives life to our souls.
Come now and see the work of God,
how wonderful he is toward all people.
He turned the sea into dry land,
so that they went through the water on foot.
There we rejoiced in him.
In his might he rules for ever.
12 The Holy Spirit–Thanksgiving

You send forth your Spirit, O Lord;
* you renew the face of the earth.
O Lord, how manifold are your works!
in wisdom you have made them all;
the earth is full of your creatures.
You renew the face of the earth.
108 Responsories
All of them look to you
to give them their food in due season.
You give it to them; they gather it;
you open your hand, and they are filled with good things.
May the glory of the Lord endure for ever;
may the Lord rejoice in all his works.
13 Major Saints’ Days

The Lord is righteous and delights in righteous deeds;
* the just shall see his face.
When foundations are being destroyed,
what can the righteous do?
The just shall see his face.
His eyes behold the inhabited world;
his piercing eye weighs our worth.
The Lord weighs the righteous as well as the wicked,
but those who delight in violence he abhors.
Responsories 109
Litanies
In the following litanies, petitions may be altered or omitted according to
circumstances. Other petitions may be added.
For musical or other reasons, the response may be changed to a similar
appropriate expression, such as Lord, have mercy; Lord, hear and
have mercy; Lord, hear our prayer; Kyrie eleison. The suffrages
may also be changed to make them fit with another response. For instance, the
opening petition and response in Litany No. 6 might be changed to:
Let us pray for the whole People of God, that each one may be
a true and faithful servant of Christ.
Lord, hear our prayer.
When litanies are sung, they may be introduced by a cantor singing the
response, which is then repeated by all before the first petition. When they are
said, they may be introduced by an expression like Let us pray with
confidence to the Lord, saying . . .
1
(In peace let us pray to the Lord, saying, “Lord, have mercy.”)
For peace from on high and for our salvation, let us pray to the
Lord.
Lord, have mercy.
For the peace of the whole world, for the welfare of the holy
Church of God, and for the unity of all, let us pray to the Lord.
Lord, have mercy.
For our bishops, and for all the clergy and people, let us pray to
the Lord.
Lord, have mercy.
For Elizabeth our Queen, for the leaders of the nations, and for
all in authority, let us pray to the Lord.
Lord, have mercy.
110 Litanies
For this city (town, village, etc.), for every city and community,
and for those who live in them in faith, let us pray to the Lord.
Lord, have mercy.
For good weather, and for abundant harvests for all to share,
let us pray to the Lord.
Lord, have mercy.
For those who travel by land, water, or air, for the sick and the
suffering (especially . . . ), for prisoners and captives, and for
their safety, health, and salvation, let us pray to the Lord.
Lord, have mercy.
For our deliverance from all affliction, strife, and need, let us
pray to the Lord.
Lord, have mercy.
For the absolution and remission of our sins and offences, let
us pray to the Lord.
Lord, have mercy.
For all who have died (especially . . . ), let us pray to the Lord.
Lord, have mercy.
Remembering ( . . . and) all the saints, we commit ourselves, one
another, and our whole life to Christ our God.
To you, O Lord.
Almighty God, you have given us grace at this time with one
accord to make our common supplications to you, and you
have promised through your well-beloved Son that when two
or three are gathered together you will hear their requests.
Fulfil now our desires and petitions, as may be best for us,
granting us in this world knowledge of your truth, and in the
age to come eternal life; for you, Father, are good and loving,
and we glorify you through your Son Jesus Christ our Lord, in
the Holy Spirit, now and for ever. Amen.
Litanies 111
2
(Let us pray with confidence to the Lord, saying, “Lord hear
our prayer.”)
O Lord, guard and direct your Church in the way of unity,
service, and praise.
Give to all nations an awareness of the unity of the human
family.
Cleanse our hearts of prejudice and selfishness, and inspire us
to hunger and thirst for what is right.
Teach us to use your creation for your greater praise, that all
may share the good things you provide.
Strengthen all who give their energy or skill for the healing of
those who are sick in body or in mind.
Set free all who are bound by fear and despair.
Grant a peaceful end and eternal rest to all who are dying, and
your comfort to those who mourn.
3
(Let us offer our prayers to the source of all love and all life,
saying, “Lord, hear our prayer.”)
Merciful Lord, we pray for all who call themselves Christians:
that we may become a royal priesthood, a holy nation, to the
praise of Christ Jesus our Saviour.
112 Litanies
We pray for N our bishop, and for all bishops and other
ministers: that they may remain faithful to their calling and
rightly proclaim the word of truth.
We pray for Elizabeth our Queen, for the leaders of the nations,
and all in authority: that your people may lead quiet and
peaceable lives.
We pray for this city and those who live here, the poor and the
rich, the elderly and the young, men and women: that you will
show your goodwill to all.
We pray for the victims of our society and those who minister
to them: that you will be their help and defence.
We pray for those preparing for baptism, (for those recently
baptized): that they may be strengthened in the faith.
We give thanks for all the saints who have found favour in your
sight from earliest times, prophets, apostles, martyrs, and
those whose names are known to you alone: and we pray that
we too may be counted among your faithful witnesses.
4
(In peace let us pray to the Lord, saying, “Lord, hear and have
mercy.”)
We pray for all who confess the name of Christ: fill us with the
power of your Holy Spirit.
Lord, hear and have mercy.
We pray for those whose lives are bound in mutual love, and
for those who live in celibacy: be their joy and their strength.
Litanies 113
For all in danger, for those who are far from home, prisoners,
exiles, victims of oppression: grant them your salvation.
For all who are facing trials and difficulties, for those who are
sick, and those who are dying: show them your kindness and
mercy.
We pray for one another: may we always be united in service
and love.
We pray to be forgiven our sins and set free from all hardship,
distress, want, war, and injustice.
May we discover new and just ways of sharing the goods of the
earth, struggling against exploitation, greed, or lack of concern:
may we all live by the abundance of your mercies and find joy
together.
May we be strengthened by our communion with all Christ’s
saints.
5
(Let us pray to the Lord, saying, “Lord, hear our prayer.”)
Let us pray for the peace of the world: the Lord grant that we
may live together in justice and faith.
Let us pray for this country, and especially for Queen
Elizabeth, the Governor General, the Prime Minister, and all in
authority: the Lord help them to serve this people according to
his holy will.
114 Litanies
Let us pray for children and young people: the Lord guide their
growth and development.
Let us pray for the sick: the Lord deliver them and keep them
in his love.
Let us pray for all who are condemned to exile, prison, harsh
treatment, or hard labour, for the sake of justice and truth: the
Lord support them and keep them steadfast.
We remember the prophets, apostles, martyrs, and all who
have borne witness to the gospel: the Lord direct our lives in
the same spirit of service and sacrifice.
6
(As we stand in God’s presence, let us pray to the Lord, saying,
“Lord, have mercy.”)
For the whole People of God, that each one may be a true and
faithful servant of Christ, let us pray to the Lord.
Lord, have mercy.
For those drawing near to the light of faith, that the Lord will
bring them to true knowledge of himself, let us pray to the
Lord.
Lord, have mercy.
For our families and friends, that the Lord will give them joy
and satisfaction in all that they do, let us pray to the Lord.
Lord, have mercy.
For those who are lonely, sick, hungry, persecuted, or ignored,
that the Lord will comfort and sustain them, let us pray to the
Lord.
Lord, have mercy.
Litanies 115
For our country, that the Lord will help us to contribute to its
true growth and well-being, let us pray to the Lord.
Lord, have mercy.
For the whole human family, that we may live together in
justice and peace, let us pray to the Lord.
Lord, have mercy.
7
(Let us pray in faith to God our Father, to his Son Jesus Christ,
and to the Holy Spirit, saying, “Lord, hear and have mercy.”)
For the Church of the living God throughout the world, let us
ask the riches of his grace.
For all who proclaim the word of truth, let us ask the infinite
wisdom of Christ.
For all who have consecrated their lives to the kingdom of God,
and for all struggling to follow the way of Christ, let us ask the
gifts of the Spirit.
For Elizabeth our Queen, for the Prime Minister of this
country, and for all who govern the nations, that they may
strive for justice and peace, let us ask the strength of God.
For scholars and research-workers, that their studies may
benefit humanity, let us ask the light of the Lord.
For all who have passed from this life in faith and obedience,
let us ask the peace of Christ.
116 Litanies
8
By your incarnation and your birth in poverty, by your
baptism, your fasting, and your trials in the desert, O Lord,
hear our prayer;
Kyrie eleison or Lord, have mercy.
By your agony in the garden, by your cross and passion, by
your death and burial, by your resurrection and ascension, and
by the gift of your Holy Spirit, O Lord, hear our prayer;
Kyrie eleison.
In times of trouble and in times of well-being, at the hour we
die and on the day of your glory, O Lord, hear our prayer;
Kyrie eleison.
Deliver us from war and violence, from hardness of heart and
from contempt of your love and your promises; O Lord, hear
our prayer;
Kyrie eleison.
Enlighten our lives with your word, that in it we may find our
way and our hope; O Lord, hear our prayer;
Kyrie eleison.
Assist your people in every land, govern them in peace and
justice, defend them from the enemies of life; O Lord, hear our
prayer;
Kyrie eleison.
9 Morning
(Let us pray to the Lord, saying, “Lord, have mercy.”)
Let us ask the Lord for a day of fulfilment and peace.

Lord, have mercy.
Let us ask the Lord to teach us to love others as he has
loved us.
Lord, have mercy.
Litanies 117
Let us ask the Lord for peace and justice in the world.
Lord, have mercy.
Let us ask the Lord to strengthen and relieve those who are in
need.
Lord, have mercy.
Let us ask the Lord to renew the Church through the power of
his life-giving Spirit.
Lord, have mercy.
10 Evening
(In peace let us pray to the Lord, saying, “We pray to you,
Lord.”)
That this evening may be holy, good, and peaceful,
We pray to you, Lord.
That the work we have done this day and the people we have
met may bring us closer to you,
That we may be forgiven our sins and offences,
That we may hear and respond to your call to peace and justice,
That you will sustain the faith and hope of the weary, the
lonely, and the oppressed,
That you will strengthen us in your service, and fill our hearts
with longing for your kingdom,
11 Late Evening
Keep us, O Lord, as the apple of your eye.
Hide us under the shadow of your wings.
118 Litanies
For the peace of the whole world, we pray to you, Lord.
Lord, have mercy.
For those who are weary, sleepless, and depressed, we pray to
you, Lord,
Lord, have mercy.
For those who are hungry, sick, and frightened, we pray to
you, Lord,
Lord, have mercy.
For rest and refreshment, we pray to you, Lord,
Lord, have mercy.
Guide us waking, O Lord, and guard us sleeping, that awake
we may watch with Christ, and asleep we may rest in peace.
Amen.
12 Advent
(In joyful expectation let us pray to our Saviour and Redeemer,
saying, “Lord Jesus, come soon!”)
O Wisdom, from the mouth of the Most High, you reign over
all things to the ends of the earth: come and teach us how to
live.
Lord Jesus, come soon!
O Lord, and head of the house of Israel, you appeared to
Moses in the fire of the burning bush and you gave the law on
Sinai: come with outstretched arm and ransom us.
O Branch of Jesse, standing as a sign among the nations,
all kings will keep silence before you and all peoples will
summon you to their aid: come, set us free and delay no more.
Litanies 119
O Key of David and sceptre of the house of Israel, you open
and none can shut; you shut and none can open: come and free
the captives from prison.
O Morning Star, splendour of the light eternal and bright Sun
of righteousness: come and enlighten all who dwell in darkness
and in the shadow of death.
O King of the nations, you alone can fulfil their desires:
Cornerstone, you make opposing nations one: come and save
the creature you fashioned from clay.
O Emmanuel, hope of the nations and their Saviour: come and
save us, Lord our God.
13 Incarnation
(In joy and humility let us pray to the creator of the universe,
saying, “Lord, grant us peace.”)
By the good news of our salvation brought to Mary by the
angel, hear us, O Lord.
Lord, grant us peace.
By the mystery of the Word made flesh, hear us, O Lord.
By the birth in time of the timeless Son of God, hear us, O Lord.
By the manifestation of the King of glory to the shepherds and
magi, hear us, O Lord.
120 Litanies
By the submission of the maker of the world to Mary and
Joseph of Nazareth, hear us, O Lord.
By the baptism of the Son of God in the river Jordan, hear us, O
Lord.
Grant that the kingdoms of this world may become the
kingdom of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ; hear us, O
Lord.
14 Lent
(With confidence and trust let us pray to the Lord, saying,
“Lord, have mercy.”)
For the one holy catholic and apostolic Church throughout the
world, we pray to you, Lord.
Lord, have mercy.
For the mission of the Church, that in faithful witness it may
preach the gospel to the ends of the earth, we pray to you,
Lord.
Lord, have mercy.
For those preparing for baptism and for their teachers and
sponsors, we pray to you, Lord.
Lord, have mercy.
For peace in the world, that a spirit of respect and reconciliation
may grow among nations and peoples, we pray to you, Lord.
Lord, have mercy.
For the poor, the persecuted, the sick, and all who suffer; for
refugees, prisoners, and all in danger; that they may be
relieved and protected, we pray to you, Lord.
Lord, have mercy.
Litanies 121
For all whom we have injured or offended, we pray to you,
Lord.
Lord, have mercy.
For grace to amend our lives and to further the reign of God,
we pray to you, Lord.
Lord, have mercy.
15 Easter
(In joy and hope let us pray to the source of all life, saying,
“Hear us, Lord of glory!”)
That our risen Saviour may fill us with the joy of his holy and
life-giving resurrection, let us pray to the Lord.
Hear us, Lord of glory!
That isolated and persecuted churches may find fresh strength
in the Easter gospel, let us pray to the Lord.
That he may grant us humility to be subject to one another in
Christian love, let us pray to the Lord.
That he may provide for those who lack food, work, or shelter,
That by his power wars and famine may cease through all the
earth, let us pray to the Lord.
That he may reveal the light of his presence to the sick, the
weak, and the dying, that they may be comforted and
strengthened, let us pray to the Lord.
122 Litanies
That he may send the fire of the Holy Spirit upon his people,
that we may bear faithful witness to his resurrection, let us
pray to the Lord.
16 The Holy Spirit

(Let us pray to God the Holy Spirit, saying, “Come, Holy Spirit,
come.”)
Come, Holy Spirit, creator, and renew the face of the earth.
Come, Holy Spirit, come.
Come, Holy Spirit, counsellor, and touch our lips that we may
proclaim your word.
Come, Holy Spirit, power from on high: make us agents of
peace and ministers of wholeness.
Come, Holy Spirit, breath of God, give life to the dry bones of
this exiled age, and make us a living people, holy and free.
Come, Holy Spirit, wisdom and truth: strengthen us in the risk
of faith.
17 A Bidding Intercession
The leader should add particular intentions to each bidding. In the course of
the silence after each bidding, the people offer their own prayers, either
silently or aloud.
I ask your prayers for God’s people throughout the world,
for this gathering, for our bishop N,
and for all ministers and people.
Pray for the Church.
Litanies 123
Silence
Almighty and everlasting God,
by your Spirit the whole body of your faithful people
is governed and sanctified.
Receive our supplications and prayers,
which we offer before you
for all members of your holy Church,
that in our vocation and ministry
we may truly and devoutly serve you;
through our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. Amen.
I ask your prayers for peace,
for goodwill among nations,
and for the well-being of all people.
Silence
Almighty God,
kindle, we pray, in every heart the true love of peace,
and guide with your wisdom
those who take counsel for the nations of the earth,
that justice and peace may increase,
until the earth is filled with the knowledge of your love;
I ask your prayers for the poor, the sick, the hungry,
the oppressed, and those in prison.
Pray for those in any need or trouble.
Silence
Gracious God,
the comfort of all who sorrow,
the strength of all who suffer,
hear the cry of those in misery and need.
In their afflictions show them your mercy,
and give us, we pray, the strength to serve them,
for the sake of him who suffered for us,
your Son Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
124 Litanies
I ask your prayers for the mission of the Church.
Pray for the coming of God’s kingdom
among all nations and peoples.
Silence
O Lord our God,
you have made all races and nations to be one family,
and you sent your Son Jesus Christ
to proclaim the good news of salvation to all people.
Pour out your Spirit on the whole creation,
bring the nations of the world into your fellowship,
and hasten the coming of your kingdom.
We ask this through the same Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
I ask your prayers for those who have died
in the peace of Christ,
and for those whose faith is known to God alone.
Pray that God may be glorified in all his saints.
Silence
O God, the giver of eternal life,
we give you thanks and praise
for the wonderful grace and virtue
declared in all your saints.
Grant to us, and to all who have died
in the hope of the resurrection,
a share in the victory of our Lord Jesus Christ
and fulness of joy in the fellowship of all your saints.
All this we ask in the name of Jesus Christ our Lord.
Amen.
Let us give thanks to almighty God for all his goodness.
Silence
You are worthy, O Lord our God,
to receive glory and honour and power.
You are worthy to receive blessing and praise,
now and for ever.
Litanies 125
The leader concludes with the following doxology.
For yours is the majesty, O Father, Son, and Holy Spirit;
yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory,
18 A Responsive Intercession
The penitential section may be omitted.
In peace, we pray to you, Lord God.

Silence
For all people in their daily life and work;
For our families, friends, and neighbours, and for all those
who are alone.
For this community, our country, and the world;
For all who work for justice, freedom, and peace.
For the just and proper use of your creation;
For the victims of hunger, fear, injustice, and oppression.
For all who are in danger, sorrow, or any kind of trouble;
For those who minister to the sick, the friendless, and the
needy.
For the peace and unity of the Church of God;
For all who proclaim the gospel, and all who seek the truth.
For N our bishop, and for all bishops and other ministers;
For all who serve God in his Church.
For our own needs and those of others.
Silence. The people may add their own petitions.

Hear us, Lord;
For your mercy is great.
126 Litanies
We thank you, Lord, for all the blessings of this life.
Silence. The people may add their own thanksgivings.

We will exalt you, O God our king;
And praise your name for ever and ever.
We pray for all those who have died in the peace of Christ,
and for those whose faith is known to you alone,
that they may have a place in your eternal kingdom.
Silence. The people may add their own petitions.
Lord, let your loving kindness be upon them;
Who put their trust in you.
We pray to you also for the forgiveness of our sins.

Silence may be kept.
Have mercy upon us, most merciful Father;
in your compassion, forgive us our sins,
known and unknown,
things done and left undone;
and so uphold us by your Spirit
that we may live and serve you in newness of life,
to the honour and glory of your name;
The celebrant concludes with an absolution, or the following (or other

suitable) collect.
Gracious God,
you have heard the prayers of your faithful people;
you know our needs before we ask,
and our ignorance in asking.
Grant our requests as may be best for us.
This we ask in the name of your Son
Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Litanies 127
19 Thanksgiving Litany
(Let us give thanks to God our Father, always and for
everything, saying, “We thank you, Lord.”)
For the beauty and wonder of creation,
We thank you, Lord.
For all that is gracious in the lives of men and women,
revealing the image of Christ,
We thank you, Lord.
For our daily food, for our homes and families and friends,
We thank you, Lord.
For minds to think and hearts to love,
We thank you, Lord.
For health, strength, and skill to work, and for leisure to rest
and play,
We thank you, Lord.
For those who are brave and courageous, patient in suffering
and faithful in adversity,
We thank you, Lord.
For all who pursue peace, justice, and truth,
We thank you, Lord.
[Today we give thanks especially for . . .
We thank you, Lord.]
For (. . . and) all the saints whose lives have reflected the light
of Christ,
We thank you, Lord.
128 Litanies
General Thanksgiving Prayers
Almighty God, Father of all mercies,
we your unworthy servants give you humble thanks
for all your goodness and loving-kindness
to us and all whom you have made.
We bless you for our creation, preservation,
and all the blessings of this life;
but above all for your immeasurable love
in the redemption of the world by our Lord Jesus Christ;
for the means of grace, and for the hope of glory.
And, we pray, give us such an awareness of your mercies,
that with truly thankful hearts
we may show forth your praise,
not only with our lips, but in our lives,
by giving up ourselves to your service,
and by walking before you
in holiness and righteousness all our days;
through Jesus Christ our Lord,
to whom with you and the Holy Spirit,
be honour and glory throughout all ages. Amen.
Accept, O Lord, our thanks and praise

for all you have done for us.
We thank you for the splendour of the whole creation,
for the beauty of this world, for the wonder of life,
and for the mystery of love.
We thank you for the blessing of family and friends,
and for the loving care
which surrounds us on every side.
We thank you for setting us tasks
which demand our best efforts,
and for leading us to accomplishments
which satisfy and delight us.
We thank you also for those disappointments and failures
that lead us to acknowledge our dependence on you alone.
Above all, we thank you for your Son Jesus Christ;
for the truth of his word and the example of his life;
Thanksgiving Prayers 129

for his steadfast obedience,
by which he overcame temptation;
for his dying, through which he overcame death;
for his rising to life again,
in which we are raised to the life of your kingdom.
Grant us the gift of your Spirit,
that we may know Christ and make him known;
and through him, at all times and in all places,
may give thanks to you in all things. Amen.
Collects for Morning

1 A Prayer for Strength
Eternal God, you create us by your power and redeem us by
your love. Guide and strengthen us by your Spirit, that we may
give ourselves today in love and service to one another and to
you; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
2 A Prayer for Guidance
Heavenly Father, in you we live and move and have our being.
Guide and govern us by your Holy Spirit, that in all the cares
and occupations of our life we may not forget you, but may
remember that we are ever walking in your sight; through
3 A Prayer for Peace
O God, the author of peace and lover of concord, to know you
is eternal life, to serve you is perfect freedom. Defend us your
servants from the assaults of our enemies, that we may trust in
your defence, and not fear the power of any adversaries;
130 Collects: Morning

4 A Prayer for Guidance
Creator of the universe, the light of your glory shines in the
darkness of our lives. Make us attentive to your presence,
prompt to serve you, and ever eager to follow in the steps of
the one who is our true light, Jesus Christ your Son our Lord.
Amen.
5 A Prayer for Grace and Faith
Lord God, the well-spring of life, pour into our hearts the living
water of your grace. By your light we see light. Increase our
faith, and grant that we may walk in the brightness of your
presence; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
6 A Prayer for Grace
Lord God, almighty and everlasting Father, you have brought
us in safety to this new day. Preserve us with your mighty
power, that we may not fall into sin, or be overcome by
adversity; and in all we do, direct us to the fulfilling of your
purpose; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
7 A Prayer for Sundays
Father of light, yours is the morning and yours is the evening.
Let Christ, the Sun of righteousness, shine for ever in our
hearts and draw us to that light where you live in radiant glory.
We ask this for the sake of Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
8 A Prayer for Fridays
Almighty God and Father, your beloved Son willingly endured
the agony and shame of the cross for our redemption. Give us
the courage to take up our cross and follow him in newness of
life and hope. He lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit,
one God, now and for ever. Amen.
Collects: Morning 131

Collects for Evening
9 A Prayer for Aid against Perils
Be our light in the darkness, O Lord, and in your great mercy
defend us from all perils and dangers of this night; for the love
of your only Son our Saviour Jesus Christ. Amen.
10 A Prayer for Peace
Most holy God, the source of all good desires, all right
judgements, and all just works, give to us your servants that
peace which the world cannot give, so that our minds may be
fixed on doing your will, and that, freed from fear of our
enemies, we may pass our time in rest and quietness; through
11 A Prayer for Protection and Rest
Be present, O merciful God, and protect us through the hours
of this night, so that we who are wearied by the changes and
chances of this life may rest in your eternal changelessness;
12 A Prayer for God’s Presence
Creator of the universe, watch over us and keep us in the light
of your presence. May our praise continually blend with that of
all creation, until we come together to the eternal joys which
you promise in your love; through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Amen.
13 A Prayer for the Presence of Christ
Remain with us, Lord, for the day is far spent and evening is at
hand. Kindle our hearts on our way that we may recognize you
in the scriptures and the breaking of bread. Grant this for the
sake of your love. Amen.
132 Collects: Evening

Vigil of the Resurrection
for Saturday Evenings
This vigil office may be used after the Service of Light (pp. 60–65) instead of
the usual form of Evening Prayer.
After the Thanksgiving, Psalm 118.1–4, 14–29 is said or sung.
Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; *
his mercy endures for ever.
Let Israel now proclaim, *
”His mercy endures for ever.”
Let the house of Aaron now proclaim, *
Let those who fear the Lord now proclaim, *
The Lord is my strength and my song, *
and he has become my salvation.
There is a sound of exultation and victory *
in the tents of the righteous:
“The right hand of the Lord has triumphed! *
the right hand of the Lord is exalted!
the right hand of the Lord has triumphed!”
I shall not die, but live, *
and declare the works of the Lord.
The Lord has punished me sorely, *
but he did not hand me over to death.
Open for me the gates of righteousness; *
I will enter them;
I will offer thanks to the Lord.
“This is the gate of the Lord; *
he who is righteous may enter.”
I will give thanks to you, for you answered me *
and have become my salvation.
Resurrection Vigil 133

The same stone which the builders rejected *
has become the chief cornerstone.
This is the Lord’s doing, *
and it is marvellous in our eyes.
On this day the Lord has acted; *
we will rejoice and be glad in it.
Hosannah, Lord, hosannah! *
Lord, send us now success.
Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord; *
we bless you from the house of the Lord.
God is the Lord; he has shined upon us; *
form a procession with branches up to the horns of the altar.
“You are my God, and I will thank you; *
you are my God, and I will exalt you.”
Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; *
Amen.
The officiant invites everyone to pray in silence for a moment.
Let us pray.
Then the officiant offers the following prayer.
God our Father,
by raising Christ your Son,
you conquered the power of death
and opened for us the way to eternal life.
Let our celebration this night
raise us up and renew our lives
by the Spirit who lives within us.
Grant this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,
who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit,
one God, for ever and ever. Amen. †
† From Praise God in Song. Copyright © 1979 by G.I.A. Publications, Inc.,

134 Resurrection Vigil

The Resurrection Gospel
All stand to say or sing Psalm 150, followed by the reading of a Gospel
account of the resurrection.
Hallelujah!
Praise God in his holy temple; *
praise him in the firmament of his power.
Praise him for his mighty acts; *
praise him for his excellent greatness.
Praise him with the blast of the ram’s horn; *
praise him with lyre and harp.
Praise him with timbrel and dance; *
praise him with strings and pipe.
Praise him with resounding cymbals; *
praise him with loud-clanging cymbals.
Let everything that has breath *
praise the Lord.
Hallelujah!
One of the following accounts of the resurrection is read.
Matthew 28.1–10, 16–20 Luke 23.55–24.9 John 20.11–18
Mark 16.1–7 Luke 24.13–35 John 20.19–31
Mark 16.9–20 John 20.1–10 John 21.1–14
Thanksgiving for Water

The congregation may gather at the font or around a container of water where
thanks may be offered in these or similar words.
We thank you, Almighty God, for the gift of water. Over water
the Holy Spirit moved in the beginning of creation. Through
water you led the children of Israel out of their bondage in
Egypt into the land of promise. In water your Son Jesus
received the baptism of John and was anointed by the Holy
Spirit as the Messiah, the Christ, to lead us, through his death
and resurrection, from the bondage of sin into everlasting life.

We thank you, Father, for the water of baptism. In it we are
buried with Christ in his death. By it we share in his
resurrection. Through it we are reborn by the Holy Spirit.
Therefore in joyful obedience to your Son, we celebrate our
fellowship in him in faith.
We pray that all who have passed through the water of baptism
may continue for ever in the risen life of Jesus Christ our
Saviour.
To him, to you, and to the Holy Spirit, be all honour and glory,
Then this canticle may be sung.
The Song of Moses

Exodus 15.1–3, 6, 11, 13, 17–18
I will sing to the Lord for his glorious triumph; *
the horse and the rider he has hurled into the sea.
The Lord has become my strength and refuge; *
the Lord himself has become my saviour.
He is my God and I will praise him; *
my father’s God and I will exalt him.
The Lord himself is a mighty warrior; *
the Lord, the Lord is his name.
Your right hand, O Lord, is majestic in power; *
your right hand, O Lord, shatters the enemy.
Who is like you, O Lord, among the gods, *
holy, awesome, worker of wonders?
In steadfast love you led your people, *
you guided your redeemed with your great strength.
You brought them in safety to your holy place, *
and planted them firm on your own mountain.
You brought them into your own house. *
The Lord shall reign for ever and ever.
136 Resurrection Vigil

Leader To our God belong victory, glory, and power.
All For right and just are his judgements.
Leader Praise our God, all you who serve him.
All You who fear him, great and small.
Leader Let us rejoice and triumph and give him praise.
All The time has come for the wedding feast of the
Lamb!
Leader O God who brought your people out of slavery
with a mighty hand,
strengthen us to take our stand with you
beside the oppressed of the world,
that in the victory of Christ
every fetter of body, mind, and spirit
may be broken,
and the whole human family,
restored to your image,
may sing your praise in joy, freedom, and peace;
through the same Jesus Christ our Lord.
All Amen. Alleluia!
Leader May God the Father, who raised Christ Jesus from
the dead, continually show us his loving kindness.
Amen.
May God the Son, victor over sin and death, grant
us a share in the joy of his resurrection.
Amen.
May God the Spirit, giver of light and peace, renew
our hearts in his love. Amen.
May almighty God, the Father, the Son, and the
Holy Spirit, continue to bless us. †
All Amen. Alleluia!
†
©
The concluding blessings are from Praise God in Song. Copyright 1979 by
G.I.A. Publications, Inc., Chicago, Illinois. All rights reserved.

The Great Litany
1 Prayer of Approach to God
God the Father, creator of heaven and earth,
Have mercy on us.
God the Son, redeemer of the world,
Have mercy on us.
God the Holy Spirit, advocate and guide,
Have mercy on us.
Holy, blessed, and glorious Trinity,
three persons and one God,
Have mercy on us.
2 Prayers for Deliverance

Lord, remember not our offences, nor the offences of our
forebears; spare us, good Lord, spare your people whom you
have redeemed with your precious blood.
Spare us, good Lord.
From all evil and mischief, from sin, from the crafts and
assaults of the devil, from your wrath, and from everlasting
condemnation,
Good Lord, deliver us.
From all spiritual blindness, from pride, vainglory, and
hypocrisy; from envy, hatred, and malice; and from all want
of charity,
From all deadly sin, and from the deceits of the world, the
flesh, and the devil,
From all false doctrine, heresy, and schism; from hardness of
heart, and contempt of your word and commandment,
Great Litany 138

From earthquake and tempest; from drought, fire, and flood;
from civil strife and violence; from war and murder; and from
dying suddenly and unprepared,
3 Prayer Recalling Christ’s Saving Work

By the mystery of your holy incarnation, by your baptism,
fasting, and temptation; and by your proclamation of the
kingdom,
By your agony and bitter grief, by your cross and passion, by
your precious death and burial, by your glorious resurrection
and ascension, and by the coming of the Holy Spirit,
In our times of trouble, in our times of prosperity, in the hour
of death, and on the day of judgement,
4 Prayers of Intercession
Receive now our prayers, Lord God. May it please you to rule
and govern your holy Church universal and lead it in your
way.
Hear us, good Lord.
For our country
Strengthen your servant Elizabeth our Queen in true worship
and holiness of life, be her defender and keeper, that she may
always seek your honour and glory, and endue the leaders of
this nation with wisdom and understanding.
Hear us, good Lord.
Bless and defend all who strive for our safety and protection,
and shield them in all dangers and adversities.
Hear us, good Lord.
Great Litany 139

Grant wisdom and insight to those who govern us, and to
judges and magistrates the grace to execute justice with mercy.
Hear us, good Lord.
For the Church
Enlighten all bishops, priests, and deacons with true
knowledge and understanding of your word, that in their
preaching and living they may declare it clearly and show
its truth.
Hear us, good Lord.
Bless all your servants preparing for ministry in your Church.
Pour your grace upon them that they may serve others as
Christ himself has served us, for the building up of his Body
in love.
Hear us, good Lord.
Encourage and prosper your servants who spread the gospel in
all the world, and send out labourers into the harvest.
Hear us, good Lord.
Bless and keep your people, that all may find and follow their
true vocation and ministry.
Hear us, good Lord.
Give us a heart to love and reverence you, that we may
diligently live according to your commandments.
Hear us, good Lord.
To all your people give growth in grace to listen to your word,
to receive it gladly, and to bring forth the fruit of the Spirit.
Hear us, good Lord.
Strengthen those who stand firm in the faith, encourage the
faint-hearted, raise up those who fall, and finally beat down
Satan under our feet.
Hear us, good Lord.
140 Great Litany

For all people
To all nations grant unity, peace, and concord, and to all
people give dignity, food, and shelter.
Hear us, good Lord.
Grant us abundant harvests, strength and skill to conserve the
resources of the earth, and wisdom to use them well.
Hear us, good Lord.
Enlighten with your Spirit all who teach and all who learn.
Hear us, good Lord.
Come to the help of all who are in danger, necessity, and
trouble; protect all who travel by land, air, or water; and show
your pity on all prisoners and captives.
Hear us, good Lord.
Strengthen and preserve all women who are in childbirth, and
all young children, and comfort the aged and lonely.
Hear us, good Lord.
Defend and provide for the widowed and the orphaned, the
refugees and the homeless, the unemployed, and all who are
desolate and oppressed.
Hear us, good Lord.
Heal those who are sick in body or mind, and give skill and
compassion to all who care for them.
Hear us, good Lord.
Grant us true repentance, forgive our sins, and strengthen us
by your Holy Spirit to amend our lives according to your holy
word.
Hear us, good Lord.
Concluding Prayers
Son of God, we ask you to hear us.
Son of God, we ask you to hear us.
Lamb of God, you take away the sins of the world:
Grant us your peace.
Great Litany 141

Lord, have mercy.
Christ, have mercy.
Lord, have mercy.
If the eucharist follows, the Litany may end here with the Collect of the Day.
Gathering our prayers and praises into one,
let us pray as our Saviour Christ taught us,
Our Father in heaven,
your kingdom come,
your will be done,
Forgive us our sins
Or
And now, as our Saviour Christ has taught us,
we are bold to say,
Our Father, who art in heaven,
thy kingdom come,
thy will be done,
142 Great Litany

The officiant may ask the prayers of the congregation for particular persons
and needs. Other prayers, including the Collect of the Day, and the following
concluding prayer, may be used.
Almighty God, you have given us grace at this time with one
accord to make our common supplications to you, and you
have promised through your well-beloved Son that when two
or three are gathered together you will hear their requests.
Fulfil now our desires and petitions, as may be best for us,
granting us in this world knowledge of your truth, and in the
age to come eternal life; for you, Father, are good and loving,
and we glorify you through your Son Jesus Christ our Lord, in
the Holy Spirit, now and for ever. Amen.
When the Great Litany is said or sung as a separate service, the service may
be concluded with one of the forms of dismissal on pp. 55 and 71. The Great
Litany may be said or sung instead of the intercessions at Morning Prayer or
Evening Prayer. When the Great Litany precedes the eucharist the Prayers of
the People are omitted.
Great Litany 143

Baptism and
Reconciliation
Holy Baptism
Baptism is the sign of new life in Christ. Baptism unites Christ with
his people. That union is both individual and corporate. Christians
are, it is true, baptized one by one, but to be a Christian is to be part of
a new creation which rises from the dark waters of Christ’s death into
the dawn of his risen life. Christians are not just baptized individuals;
they are a new humanity.
As the World Council of Churches document Baptism, Eucharist and
Ministry has reminded Christians, the scriptures of the New
Testament and the liturgy of the Church unfold the meaning of
baptism in various images (often based on Old Testament water
symbols) which express the mystery of salvation.
Baptism is participation in Christ’s death and resurrection (Romans
6.3–5; Colossians 2.12); a washing away of sin (1 Corinthians 6.11);
a new birth (John 3.5); an enlightenment by Christ (Ephesians 5.14);
a reclothing in Christ (Galatians 3.27); a renewal by the Spirit (Titus
3.5); the experience of salvation from the flood (1 Peter 3.20–21); an
exodus from bondage (1 Corinthians 10.1–2) and a liberation into a
new humanity in which barriers of division, whether of sex or race
or social status, are transcended (Galatians 3.27–28; 1 Corinthians
1
12.13). The images are many but the reality is one.
Several dimensions of baptism became clear as the early Church
developed its practice. Initiation into the Church was a vital concern
of the whole Christian community and not only of the candidates for
baptism and their immediate families. Preparation for baptism was a
responsibility shared among various members of the community,
both ordained and lay. Becoming a Christian had as much to do with
learning to live a new lifestyle within the Christian community as it
did with specific beliefs. When the day of baptism finally arrived, the
event took place within the context of the Sunday eucharist, when the
whole community was gathered and where the newly baptized
received communion for the first time.
The celebration of this rite of Holy Baptism requires careful
preparation by both the community and the candidates. The service
should take place when a congregation gathers for the principal
Sunday eucharist, ideally on days that are particularly appropriate for
146 Holy Baptism

baptism—Easter (especially at the Vigil), Pentecost, All Saints, the
Baptism of the Lord—and with the bishop present.
The Rite: A Rationale of the Order

the gathering of the community
the proclamation of the word
the presentation and examination of the candidates
thanksgiving over the water
the baptism
the eucharist
1 The Gathering of the Community

The purpose of this initial part of the rite is the same as at any
celebration of the eucharist: to unite the assembled people as a
community, and to prepare them to listen to God’s word. In this rite,
however, the structure is simpler. The celebrant greets the community
and then introduces responses which conclude with the Collect of the
Day.
2 The Proclamation of the Word

This part of the rite is the same as at any celebration of the eucharist.
Normally, the readings should be those which are proper to the day.
3 The Presentation and Examination of the Candidates

Sponsors first present candidates who are old enough to answer for
themselves. Parents and/or sponsors then present children who are
unable to answer for themselves. The renunciations, in ancient
threefold form, and an act of adherence to Jesus Christ as Lord and
Saviour, then follow.
A litany concludes this portion of the rite. Additional petitions may be
included in the litany.
4 Thanksgiving over the Water

The Thanksgiving over the Water, similar in structure to the Great
Thanksgiving prayer of the eucharist, recalls the waters of creation,
the exodus, and the baptism of Jesus in the Jordan River. The prayer
Holy Baptism 147

asks that those who are baptized may be buried and raised with
Christ, cleansed of sin, and reborn by the Holy Spirit.
The congregation then joins with those who are to be baptized in the
promises of the Baptismal Covenant. The Apostles’ Creed, first
composed for this purpose, symbolizes this covenant-faith.
Preparation of the community for the celebration of baptism may
appropriately emphasize the congregation’s corporate renewal in the
Baptismal Covenant.
5 The Baptism
In the celebration of baptism the symbolic aspects of water should be
emphasized, not minimized. There should be water in quantity,
enough for members of the congregation to see and hear when it is
poured. An act of immersion would vividly express the Christian’s
participation in baptism, in the death, burial, and resurrection of
Christ.
When the candidates have been baptized, the celebrant signs them
with the sign of the cross. The optional use of chrism at this point
restores one of the most ancient baptismal practices. Chrism evokes a
rich variety of biblical images: the anointing of kings (1 Samuel 16.13),
the royal priesthood (1 Peter 2.9), the eschatological seal of the saints
(Revelation 7). Its traditional association with the Holy Spirit
interprets baptism as the new birth by water and the Spirit (John 3.5).
In a similar manner it interprets the name Christ, the anointed one,
and relates the baptism of each Christian to the baptism of Christ.
After the signing the celebrant then prays that those who have been
made new in baptism may display the gifts of the Spirit in their lives.
The newly baptized persons may be presented with a lighted candle
as a sign of their new life in Jesus Christ, the light of the world.
The congregation welcomes the new members of the community and
urges them to confess the faith of Christ crucified, proclaim his
resurrection, and share in his eternal priesthood.
The service then continues with the Peace and the preparation of the
gifts for the eucharist.
148 Holy Baptism

6 Confirmation, Reception, and Reaffirmation
Confirmation, reception, and reaffirmation are various modes of
response to baptism. Whether they involve making promises on one’s
own behalf, seeking membership within a particular branch of the
Church, or reaffirming promises made long ago, each is directly
related to the covenant made in baptism. The liturgy of baptism is
consequently the primary context in which these renewals of the
baptismal covenant take place.
1 Baptism, Eucharist and Ministry, Geneva, World Council of Churches, 1982,

Faith and Order Paper No. 111.
Holy Baptism 149

Concerning the Service
Christian baptism is administered with water in the name of the Father, the
Son, and the Holy Spirit. The bond which God establishes in baptism is
indissoluble. Holy Baptism is appropriately administered within a celebration
of the eucharist as the chief service on a Sunday or other feast.
The bishop, when present, is the celebrant, and is expected to preach the word
and preside at baptism and the eucharist. At baptism, the bishop officiates at
the Presentation and Examination of the Candidates; says the Thanksgiving
over the Water; reads the prayer, “Heavenly Father, we thank you that by
water and the Holy Spirit’’; and officiates at what follows.
In the absence of a bishop, a priest is the celebrant and presides at the service.
If chrism is to be used, it will have been consecrated by the bishop when he has
blessed oils for the use of the whole diocese.
Each candidate for baptism is to be sponsored by one or more baptized
persons.
Sponsors of adults and older children present their candidates, and thereby
signify their endorsement of the candidates and their intention to support
them by prayer and example in their Christian life. Sponsors (traditionally
called godparents) of infants present their candidates, make promises in their
own names, and also take vows on behalf of their candidates.
It is fitting that parents be included among the sponsors of their own
children. Parents and sponsors are to be instructed in the meaning of
baptism, in their duties to help the new Christians grow in the knowledge and
love of God, and in their responsibilities as members of his Church.
Additional directions are on p. 163.
150 Holy Baptism

Holy Baptism
The Gathering of the Community
All stand. The presiding celebrant greets the community.
Celebrant The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ,
and the love of God,
and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit,
be with you all.
People And also with you.
Or from Easter Day through the Day of Pentecost,

Celebrant Alleluia! Christ is risen.
People The Lord is risen indeed. Alleluia!
Celebrant May his grace and peace be with you.
People May he fill our hearts with joy.
The celebrant then continues,
There is one body and one Spirit,
People There is one hope in God’s call to us;
Celebrant One Lord, one faith, one baptism,
People One God and Father of all.
The Collect of the Day

Celebrant Let us pray.
The community may pray silently. The presiding celebrant then sings or says
the collect, after which all respond, Amen.
Holy Baptism 151

The Readings
The first reading as appointed.
Reader A reading from . . .
At the conclusion of the passage, the reader says,

Silence may be kept. Then shall follow a psalm as appointed.
A second reading as appointed is read.


Silence may be kept. A psalm, canticle, hymn, or anthem may follow.
All stand for the Gospel.

Reader The Lord be with you.
Reader The Holy Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ
according to . . .
At the conclusion of the Gospel, the reader says,
Sermon
A silence for reflection may follow.
152 Holy Baptism

Presentation and Examination of the Candidates
The celebrant says,
The candidate(s) for Holy Baptism will now be
presented.
Adults and Older Children

Candidates able to answer for themselves are presented by their parents and
sponsors as follows:
Sponsor I present N to receive the sacrament of baptism.
The celebrant asks each candidate when presented,

Do you desire to be baptized?
Candidate I do.
Infants and Younger Children

Then the candidates unable to answer for themselves are presented
individually by their parents and sponsors as follows:
Parents and sponsors,
I present N to receive the sacrament of
baptism.
When all have been presented the celebrant asks the parents and sponsors,
Will you be responsible for seeing that the child
you present is nurtured in the faith and life of the
Christian community?

I will, with God’s help.
Celebrant Will you by your prayers and witness help this child
to grow into the full stature of Christ?
I will, with God’s help.
Holy Baptism 153

Then the celebrant asks the following questions of the candidates who can
speak for themselves, and of the parents and sponsors who speak on behalf of
the infants and younger children.
Question Do you renounce Satan and all the spiritual forces
of wickedness that rebel against God?
Answer I renounce them.
Question Do you renounce the evil powers of this world
which corrupt and destroy the creatures of God?
Question Do you renounce all sinful desires that draw you
from the love of God?
Question Do you turn to Jesus Christ and accept him as your
Saviour?
Answer I do.
Question Do you put your whole trust in his grace and love?
Answer I do.
Question Do you promise to obey him as your Lord?
Answer I do.
When there are others to be presented, the bishop says,

The other candidate(s) will now be presented.
Presenters I present these persons for Confirmation.
Or I present these persons to be received into this
Communion.
Or I present these persons who desire to reaffirm their
baptismal vows.
The bishop asks the candidates,

Do you reaffirm your renunciation of evil?
Candidate I do.
154 Holy Baptism

Celebrant Do you renew your commitment to Jesus Christ?
Candidate I do.
Celebrant Do you put your whole trust in his grace and love?
Candidate I do, and with God’s grace I will follow him as my
Saviour and Lord.
After all have been presented, the celebrant addresses the congregation,
saying,
Will you who witness these vows do all in your
power to support these persons in their life in Christ?
People We will.
Prayers for the Candidates

The celebrant then says to the congregation,
Let us now pray for these persons who are to receive
the sacrament of new birth.
A person appointed leads the following litany.

Leader Deliver them, O Lord, from the way of sin and
death.
People Lord, hear our prayer.
Leader Open their hearts to your grace and truth.
Leader Fill them with your holy and life-giving Spirit.
Leader Teach them to love others in the power of the Spirit.
Leader Send them into the world in witness to your love.
Leader Bring them to the fullness of your peace and glory.
Holy Baptism 155

The leader concludes,
Grant, O Lord,
that all who are baptized
into the death of Jesus Christ your Son
may live in the power of his resurrection
and look for him to come again in glory;
who lives and reigns now and for ever. Amen.
The Celebration of Baptism

Thanksgiving over the Water
The celebrant blesses the water, using one of the following forms.
The Lord be with you.
Celebrant Let us give thanks to the Lord our God.
Celebrant We give you thanks, almighty God and Father, for
by the gift of water you nourish and sustain all
living things.
All Blessed be God for ever.
Celebrant We give you thanks that through the waters of the
Red Sea, you led your people out of slavery to
freedom in the promised land.
Celebrant We give you thanks for sending your Son Jesus. For
us he was baptized by John in the river Jordan. For
us he was anointed as Christ by your Holy Spirit.
For us he suffered the baptism of his own death and
resurrection, setting us free from the bondage of sin
and death, and opening to us the joy and freedom
of everlasting life.
156 Holy Baptism

Celebrant We give you thanks for your Holy Spirit who
teaches us and leads us into all truth, filling us with
his gifts so that we might proclaim the gospel to all
nations and serve you as a royal priesthood.
Celebrant We give you thanks for you have called N to new
life through the waters of baptism.
Now sanctify this water, that your servants who are
washed in it may be made one with Christ in his
death and resurrection, to be cleansed and
delivered from all sin. Anoint them with your Holy
Spirit and bring them to new birth in the family of
your Church, that they may become inheritors of
your glorious kingdom.
We give you praise and honour and worship
through your Son Jesus Christ our Lord, in the
unity of the Holy Spirit, now and for ever.
All Blessed are you, our strength and song, and our
salvation.
Or the following:
Celebrant We thank you, Almighty God, for the gift of water.
Over water the Holy Spirit moved in the beginning
of creation. Through water you led the children of
Israel out of their bondage in Egypt into the land of
promise. In water your Son Jesus received the
baptism of John and was anointed by the Holy
Spirit as the Messiah, the Christ, to lead us,
through his death and resurrection, from the
bondage of sin into everlasting life.
Holy Baptism 157

We thank you, Father, for the water of baptism. In
it we are buried with Christ in his death. By it we
share in his resurrection. Through it we are reborn
by the Holy Spirit. Therefore in joyful obedience to
your Son, we bring into his fellowship those who
come to him in faith, baptizing them in the name of
the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.
Now sanctify this water by the power of your Holy
Spirit, that those who are here cleansed from sin
and born again, may continue for ever in the risen
life of Jesus Christ our Saviour.
To him, to you, and to the Holy Spirit, be all honour
and glory, now and for ever. Amen.
The celebrant then says these or similar words.

Let us join with those
who are committing themselves to Christ
and renew our own baptismal covenant.
The Baptismal Covenant

Celebrant Do you believe in God the Father?
People I believe in God,
The Father almighty,
Celebrant Do you believe in Jesus Christ, the Son of God?
People I believe in Jesus Christ,
his only Son, our Lord.
158 Holy Baptism

He will come again
Celebrant Do you believe in God the Holy Spirit?
People I believe in God the Holy Spirit,
and the life everlasting.
Celebrant Will you continue in the apostles’ teaching and
fellowship, in the breaking of bread, and in the
prayers?
People I will, with God’s help.
Celebrant Will you persevere in resisting evil and, whenever
you fall into sin, repent and return to the Lord?
Celebrant Will you proclaim by word and example the good
news of God in Christ?
Celebrant Will you seek and serve Christ in all persons, loving
your neighbour as yourself?
Celebrant Will you strive for justice and peace among all
people, and respect the dignity of every human
being?
Celebrant
Celebrant Will you
Will you strive
strive to
tosafeguard
safeguardthe
theintegrity
integrityofofGod’s
God's
creation, and respect, sustain and renew the
creation, and respect, sustain and renew the life lifeofof
the Earth?
the Earth?
People
People II will,
will, with
with God’s
God’shelp.
help.
Holy Baptism 159

The Baptism
Each candidate is presented by name to the celebrant, or to an assisting priest
or deacon, who then immerses, or pours water upon, the candidates, saying,
N, I baptize you in the name of the Father,
and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
The celebrant makes the sign of the cross on the forehead of each one (using
chrism if desired) saying to each,
I sign you with the cross,
and mark you as Christ’s own for ever.
The celebrant, at a place in the full sight of the congregation, prays over the
newly baptized, saying,
Heavenly Father,
we thank you that by water and the Holy Spirit
you have bestowed upon these your servants
the forgiveness of sin,
and have raised them to the new life of grace.
Sustain them, O Lord, in your Holy Spirit.
Give them an inquiring and discerning heart,
the courage to will and to persevere,
a spirit to know and to love you,
and the gift of joy and wonder
in all your works. Amen.
The Giving of the Light

One of the ministers may then give to each of the newly baptized a lighted
candle, saying,
Receive the light of Christ,
to show that you have passed from darkness to light.
Then all of the newly baptized have received candles, the people say,
Let your light so shine before others
that they may see your good works
and glorify your Father in heaven.
160 Holy Baptism

Celebrant Let us welcome the newly baptized.
People We receive you into the household of God.
Confess the faith of Christ crucified,
proclaim his resurrection,
and share with us in his eternal priesthood.
At Confirmation, Reception, or Reaffirmation

The bishop says to the congregation,
Let us now pray for these persons who have renewed their
commitment to Christ.
Then the bishop says,
Almighty God, we thank you that by the death and
resurrection of your Son Jesus Christ you have overcome sin
and brought us to yourself, and that by the sealing of your
Holy Spirit you have bound us to your service. Renew in these
your servants the covenant you made with them at their baptism.
Send them forth in the power of that Spirit to perform the
service you set before them; through Jesus Christ your Son our
Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one
God, now and for ever. Amen.
The bishop lays his hand upon each one and says,
For Confirmation
Strengthen, O Lord, your servant N with your Holy Spirit;
empower him/her for your service; and sustain him/her all the
days of his/her life. Amen.
Or this:
Defend, O Lord, your servant N with your heavenly grace, that
he/she may continue yours for ever, and daily increase in your
Holy Spirit more and more, until he/she comes to your
everlasting kingdom. Amen.
Holy Baptism 161

For Reception
N, we recognize you as a member of the one holy catholic and
apostolic Church, and we receive you into the fellowship of
this Communion. God, the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, bless,
preserve, and keep you. Amen.
For Reaffirmation
N, may the Holy Spirit, who has begun a good work in you,
direct and uphold you in the service of Christ and his kingdom.
Amen.
Then the bishop says,

Almighty and everliving God, let your fatherly hand ever be
over these your servants; let your Holy Spirit ever be with them;
and so lead them in the knowledge and obedience of your
word, that they may serve you in this life, and dwell with you
in the life to come; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
The Peace
All stand, and the celebrant addresses the people.
The peace of the Lord be always with you.
The members of the community, ministers and people, may greet one another
in the name of the Lord.
The service continues with the preparation of the gifts for the eucharist.
162 Holy Baptism

Additional Directions
Baptism is especially appropriate at the Easter Vigil, on the Day of
Pentecost, on All Saints’ Day or the Sunday after All Saints’ Day, and
on the feast of the Baptism of the Lord (the First Sunday after
Epiphany). It is recommended that, as far as possible, baptisms be
reserved for these occasions or when a bishop is present. (If for
pastoral reasons baptism is celebrated between Pentecost and All
Saints’, the Transfiguration of the Lord and Holy Cross Day or the
Sundays after them are suitable days.)
If the ministry of a bishop or priest cannot be obtained, a deacon may
preside at a public baptism.
If on the four days listed above there are no candidates for baptism,
the Renewal of Baptismal Vows (p. 330) may take the place of the
Nicene Creed at the eucharist.
It is appropriate that the Gospel be read by a deacon.
Lay persons may act as readers, and it is appropriate for sponsors to
be assigned this function. The petitions (p. 155) may also be led by
one of the sponsors.
The Nicene Creed is not used at this service.
If the Presentation of the Candidates does not take place at the font,
then before or during the petitions (p. 155), the ministers, candidates,
and sponsors go to the font for the Thanksgiving over the Water.
If the movement to the font is a formal procession, a suitable psalm,
such as Psalm 42, or a hymn or anthem, may be sung.
Where practicable, the font is to be filled with clean water
immediately before the Thanksgiving over the Water.
At the Thanksgiving over the Water, and at the administration of
baptism, the celebrant, whenever possible, should face the people
across the font, and the sponsors should be so grouped that the
people may have a clear view of the action.
The Prayers, Readings, and Preface are normally those of the day. If
the Readings are inappropriate, a selection may be made from the list
on p. 165 and the Preface of Easter or the Preface of Pentecost may be
used.
Holy Baptism 163

It may be found desirable to return to the front of the church for the
prayer, “Heavenly Father, we thank you that by water and the Holy
Spirit,” and the ceremonies that follow it. A suitable psalm, such as
Psalm 23, or a hymn or anthem, may be sung during the procession.
The oblations of bread and wine at the baptismal eucharist may be
presented by the newly baptized or their sponsors.
Conditional Baptism
If there is reasonable doubt that a person has been baptized with water, ”In
the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit,” the person is
baptized in the usual manner, but this form of words is used.
If you are not already baptized, N, I baptize you in the name of
the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Emergency Baptism
In case of emergency, any person present may administer baptism according
to the following form.
Using the given name of the one to be baptized (if known), pour water on him
or her, saying,
I baptize you in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of
the Holy Spirit. Amen.
The Lord’s Prayer is then said.
Other prayers, such as the following, may be added.
Heavenly Father, we thank you that by water and the Holy
Spirit you have bestowed upon this your servant the forgiveness
of sin and have raised him/her to the new life of grace.
Strengthen him/her, O Lord, with your presence, enfold him/her
in the arms of your mercy, and keep him/her safe for ever.
Amen.
164 Holy Baptism

The person who administers emergency baptism should inform the priest of
the appropriate parish, so that the baptism may be properly registered.
If the baptized person recovers, the baptism shall be recognized at a public
celebration of the sacrament. The person baptized under emergency conditions
and his or her sponsors shall take part in all parts of the baptismal liturgy,
except for the baptism in water itself.
Readings and Psalms Suitable for Baptism Liturgies

Old Testament Readings
Ezekiel 36.24–28 (A new heart I will give you)
Isaiah 55.1–11 (Ho, everyone who thirsts, come to the waters)
Psalms and Suitable Refrains

23 (The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not be in want)
27 (The Lord is the strength of my life)
42.1–7 (My soul is athirst for God)
84 (Happy are they who dwell in your house!)
Canticle 3, Song of Thanksgiving, may also be used.
New Testament Readings

Romans 6.3–5 (We were buried therefore with him by baptism into death)
Romans 8.14–17 (For all who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God)
2 Corinthians 5.17–20 (Therefore, if any one is in Christ, he is a new
creation)
Gospel Readings
Mark 1.9–11 (Jesus . . . was baptized by John in the Jordan)
John 3.1–6 (Unless one is born of water and the Spirit)
Holy Baptism 165

The Reconciliation of a Penitent
The ministry of reconciliation, committed by Christ to his Church, is
exercised through the care of Christians for each other, through the
common prayer of Christians assembled for public worship, and
through the priesthood of the Church and its ministers declaring
absolution.
The Reconciliation of a Penitent is available for all who desire it. It is
not restricted to time of sickness. Confessions may be made at any
time and in any suitable place.
Originally, Christians who sinned gravely were publicly excluded
from full fellowship in the Church and publicly restored after suitable
penitence. Private penitence and private reconciliation appeared only
after centuries of pastoral experimentation. The Reconciliation of a
Penitent, although private, is a corporate action of the Church because
sin affects the unity of the Body. The absolution is restoration to full
fellowship: the priest declares the forgiveness which Christ has
invested in his Church. The formula, “I absolve you,” which became
common only in the thirteenth century, does not appear in these rites:
it tends to individualize and further privatize what remains a
corporate action of the Church.
Two equivalent forms of service are provided here to meet the needs
of penitents. The absolution in these services may be pronounced
only by a bishop or priest. If a deacon or lay person hears a
confession, a declaration of forgiveness may be made in the form
provided.
When the penitent has confessed all serious sins troubling the
conscience, counsel and encouragement may be given, at the request
of the penitent. The priest may suggest appropriate devotions or
actions to be performed by the penitent after the conclusion of the
rite. Those who give counsel should be properly qualified.
The secrecy of a confession of sin is morally absolute for the confessor,
and must under no circumstances be broken.
166 Reconciliation
The Reconciliation
of a Penitent
Priest Bless the Lord who forgives all our sins.
Penitent His mercy endures for ever.
A brief silence is kept. Then the priest and penitent say together,
Psalm 51 1–2, 11–13, 16

Have mercy on me, O God, according to your
loving-kindness; *
in your great compassion blot out my offences.
Wash me through and through from my wickedness *
and cleanse me from my sin.
Create in me a clean heart, O God, *
and renew a right spirit within me.
Cast me not away from your presence *
and take not your holy Spirit from me.
Give me the joy of your saving help again *
and sustain me with your bountiful Spirit.
Open my lips, O Lord, *
and my mouth shall proclaim your praise.
Or this:
Psalm 103 8–10, 13–14

The Lord is full of compassion and mercy, *
slow to anger and of great kindness.
He will not always accuse us, *
nor will he keep his anger for ever.
He has not dealt with us according to our sins, *
nor rewarded us according to our wickedness.
Reconciliation 167
As a father cares for his children, *
so does the Lord care for those who fear him.
For he himself knows whereof we are made: *
he remembers that we are but dust.
The priest then says to the penitent,

Dear friend in Christ, God is steadfast in love and
infinite in mercy, healing the sick and forgiving the
sinful. May God, who enlightens every heart, help
you to confess your sins and trust in his mercy.
The penitent says,
Most merciful God, have mercy upon me,
in your compassion forgive my sins,
both known and unknown,
things done and left undone,
(especially . . . ).
O God, uphold me by your Spirit
that I may live and serve you in newness of life,
through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.
The priest may, with the consent of the penitent, offer words of comfort and
counsel, and then says,
Do you turn again to Christ?
Penitent I turn to Christ.
Priest Do you forgive those who have sinned against you?
Penitent I forgive them.
The priest then says,
Our Lord Jesus Christ, who offered himself as the
perfect sacrifice to the Father, and who conferred
power on his Church to forgive sins, absolve you
through my ministry by the grace of the Holy Spirit,
and restore you in the perfect peace of the Church.
Amen.
168 Reconciliation
A deacon or lay person says, instead of the absolution, this declaration of
forgiveness.
perfect sacrifice to the Father, forgives our sins and
grants us the grace and comfort of the Holy Spirit.
Amen.
Priest As our Saviour Christ has taught us, let us pray.
Both Our Father in heaven,
your kingdom come,
your will be done
Forgive us our sins
Or
Priest And now, as our Saviour Christ has taught us,
we are bold to say,
Both Our Father, who art in heaven,
hallowed be thy name.
Thy kingdom come,
thy will be done,
Reconciliation 169
The priest then dismisses the penitent.
Blessed are they whose transgressions are forgiven;
Penitent And whose sin is put away.
Priest The Lord has put away all your sins.
Penitent Thanks be to God.
The priest then concludes,
Go in peace, and pray for me a sinner.
170 Reconciliation
The Reconciliation
of a Penitent
A Short Form
Priest Bless the Lord who forgives all our sins.

Penitent His mercy endures for ever.
The priest invites the penitent to trust God, in these or similar words.
May God, who enlightens every heart, help you
to confess your sins and trust in his mercy.
Penitent Most merciful God, have mercy upon me,
in your compassion forgive my sins,
both known and unknown,
things done and left undone,
(especially . . . ).
O God, uphold me by your Spirit
that I may live and serve you in newness of life,
through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.
The priest may, with the consent of the penitent, offer words of comfort and
counsel, and then says,
perfect sacrifice to the Father, and who conferred
power on his Church to forgive sins, absolve you
through my ministry by the grace of the Holy Spirit,
and restore you in the perfect peace of the Church.
Amen.
A deacon or lay person says, instead of the absolution, this declaration of
forgiveness.
perfect sacrifice to the Father, forgives our sins and
grants us the grace and comfort of the Holy Spirit.
Amen.
Reconciliation 171
The priest then dismisses the penitent.
Blessed are they whose transgressions are forgiven;
Penitent And whose sin is put away.
Priest The Lord has put away all your sins.

Penitent Thanks be to God.
The priest then concludes,

Go in peace, and pray for me a sinner.
172 Reconciliation
The Holy Eucharist
The Holy Eucharist
The Rite
As a result of both liturgical study and liturgical renewal, the last ten
to fifteen years have given evidence of a considerable consensus
among the major Western churches regarding the appropriate shape
of the eucharistic liturgy. The revision of liturgical rites in these
churches has reflected this common shape. The Lambeth Conferences
of 1958 and 1968 produced guidelines for the reform of the eucharistic
liturgy in the various provinces of the Anglican communion which
recognized and commended this common shape as the basis for
liturgical revision. The present eucharistic order is built upon this
basic shape, which it shares with other Anglican revisions (United
States 1976, Australia 1978, Scotland 1977, South Africa 1975, New
Zealand 1979, England 1980, etc.).
Common Texts
Texts for Glory to God, the Creeds, Holy, Holy, Holy, and the Lord’s
Prayer are those produced by the International Consultation on
English Texts (ICET). As such, they are common to English-speaking
churches presently engaged in liturgical revision.
A Rationale of the Order

1 The Gathering of the Community
The Entrance Rite—The purpose of this initial part of the rite is to unite
the assembled people as a community, to prepare them to listen to
God’s word and to enter into the eucharistic celebration. In many
present liturgical reforms the entrance rite remains the least examined
part of the whole liturgy. In the Prayer Book it is composed of the
vestiges of no fewer than seven entrance rites from different historical
periods, which have been left standing side by side without any
coherent rationale.
An attempt is made here to produce a more cohesive entrance rite.
The basic form is a greeting and an act of praise followed by a short
silence and the Collect of the Day.
The Collect of the Day concludes the entrance rite and provides the
transition to the readings for the day. A short silence is suggested
174 Holy Eucharist

before the opening prayer to allow the community to gather its
thoughts.
The form is extremely simple. This is intentional. The aim is to set the
tone for the celebration and to lead directly into the proclamation of
the word and the eucharistic celebration itself. The entrance rite ought
1
not to become a liturgy in its own right.
2 The Proclamation of the Word
Purpose—The eucharistic community is the assembly of the baptized
who are gathered to hear the word of God and to celebrate the
eucharist. Word and sacrament stand in a dynamic relationship to
each other. The readings, the psalms, the homily, and the intercession
form a cohesive whole which leads into the sacramental celebration.
The Readings—The lectionary intended for use with this rite (pp.
266–447) is based on the Common Lectionary. A weekday lectionary,
with two daily readings, has also been provided. There is also a
selection of common readings for lesser saints’ days.
Silence—Space for silence is a particular feature of this rite. The aim of
the silence is to enable the congregation to become a praying
community. If the eucharistic liturgy is to become the prayer of the
People of God, the community needs to be given time to reflect on the
word of God and the action of the liturgy, so that it can respond in
prayer, repentance, and offering.
Psalm—The use of psalms in the eucharist is encouraged. Rich in
scriptural themes, the psalms continue the proclamation of the word
of God, sum up the response of the People of God, and provide the
ideal vehicle for the community’s reflection on the readings. In the
Sunday cycle of readings in the Common Lectionary, the psalm which
is provided after the first reading is intended to be an integral part of
the Proclamation of the Word. The psalms should be sung whenever
2
possible.
Sermon—The sermon or homily is an integral part of the Proclamation
of the Word. It is the application of the word of God to the pastoral
needs of a particular community at a particular time and place. It is
appropriate, therefore, that there be some reflection on the word of
God at every eucharist, even at weekday celebrations and at early
Sunday morning eucharists, so that the good news of the gospel can
be heard and responded to in a living way by the congregation.
Holy Eucharist 175

The Creed—It was in the eucharistic prayer rather than in the creed
that the ancient Church gave primary expression to its faith when it
celebrated the eucharist. Owing to the influence of the Arian
controversy and the practice of the priest’s saying the eucharistic
prayer in an inaudible voice, in both East and West the creed tended
to replace the eucharistic prayer as the means of handing on the faith
of the Church in the eucharistic liturgy. In the present rite it is
suggested that the Nicene Creed be used on major festivals and it or
the Apostles’ Creed may be used on Sundays.
Both creeds are used in their original forms. Thus the Nicene Creed
begins with “We” as a conciliar creed, and the Apostles’ Creed with
“I” as a creed that was used in the West as part of the examination of
candidates for baptism.
The words “and the son” (filioque) have been removed from the
Nicene Creed in accordance with the Lambeth 1978 Statement:
The Conference . . . requests that all member Churches of the
Anglican Communion should consider omitting the Filioque from
the Nicene Creed, and that the Anglican-Orthodox Joint Doctrinal
Commission through the Anglican Consultative Council should
assist them in presenting the theological issues to their appropriate
synodical bodies and should be responsible for any necessary
consultation with other Churches of the Western tradition.
General Synod meeting at Peterborough in 1980 stated that the
omission of the filioque does not imply a change of doctrine or belief on
the part of the Anglican Church.
The Prayers of the People—The work of the Church is not only to praise
God but also to pray for the Church and for the world. The Prayers of
the People are an integral part of liturgy.
Thanksgiving and intercessions may take an extempore form
following the headings given, or one of the forms provided may be
used. Whichever form is used, opportunity should be given to those
assembled to add their own petitions and thanksgivings to the
prayers of the community.
A deacon or a lay person, rather than the priest, is the appropriate
minister to lead the Prayers of the People. If the penitential rite has
been used before the eucharist or if the Prayers of Penitence are to
follow, the penitential petition is omitted from the intercession.
176 Holy Eucharist

Forms for the Prayers of the People are found on pp. 110–128. These
forms are, however, only suggested models. They ought not to
become the standard forms used in a parish, but should be adapted
with imagination to meet the needs of the local Church.
The Peace—The Peace is an encounter, a reconciliation, and an
anticipation.
As an encounter it reminds us that we meet Christ in others and
without that encounter it is impossible to meet God. “If anyone says,
‘I love God,’ and hates his brother, he is a liar; for he who does not
love his brother whom he has seen, cannot love God whom he has not
seen” (1 John 4.20).
As a reconciliation it dramatizes the injunction of Matthew 5.23–24,

“So if you are offering your gift at the altar, and there remember that
your brother has something against you, leave your gift there before
the altar and go; first be reconciled to your brother, and then come
and offer your gift.”
As an anticipation it dramatizes the eucharist as a foretaste of the
banquet in the kingdom. The peace and unity experienced provide a
glimpse of the kingdom which is yet to come.
Many parishes are now familiar with the exchange of a sign of peace.
If it is being introduced in a community, it is important that the
dimensions of encounter, reconciliation, and anticipation are made
clear. The style of greeting encouraged should be consistent with the
sensibilities of those present.
3 The Celebration of the Eucharist
The Preparation of the Gifts—The preparation of the gifts of bread and
wine is essentially functional, but together with the offering of money
and other gifts, it does also symbolize the offering of ourselves and of
the whole creation to God. This can best be given liturgical expression
by representatives of the congregation bringing the gifts to the altar.
The Prayer over the Gifts—The action of preparation is gathered up in
the Prayer over the Gifts. This prayer reflects the themes of the liturgy
of the day and focuses not only on the gifts of bread and wine, but on
the whole work of the People of God which is the offering of the
Church.
Holy Eucharist 177

The Great Thanksgiving—The eucharistic prayer is the great prayer of
blessing said over the bread and the cup on the model of the Jewish
table prayers of blessing. It is a prayer of faith addressed to God the
Father, an act of praise and thanksgiving for the whole work of
creation and redemption. The prayer is a unity from the opening
dialogue to the final doxology and Amen. In the eucharistic prayer the
Church expresses the meaning of the whole eucharistic action in
which the memorial of redemption is made, and the Church is united
with Christ in offering and communion through the sanctifying power
of the Holy Spirit.
Six eucharistic prayers have been provided. Parishes will naturally
wish to choose those which meet the particular needs of their own
community.
The Person and Work of Christ in the Eucharistic Prayers—The biblical
imagery employed in the eucharistic prayers to express the meaning
of Christ’s life, death, and resurrection for our salvation is rich and
varied. Three images in particular stand out in the biblical material:
1 the interpretation of Jesus’ death as an act of vicarious suffering on
behalf of the people on the analogy of the figure of the suffering
servant of Isaiah 53,
2 the interpretation of Jesus’ death as a sin-offering on the analogy
of the expiatory sacrifices offered in the Temple, and
3 the interpretation of the death and resurrection of Christ as an act
of divine deliverance from the power of sin and death.
These images are fluid and entered in this fluid form into the liturgies
and writings of the early Church.
In the Middle Ages and the Reformation period these images were
given more precise definition with the use of “satisfaction” and
“substitutionary” language. Jesus’ death was interpreted as a
satisfaction for sin, or as an act of legal substitution. According to the
latter idea, Jesus, although innocent, stood in the divine courtroom in
the place of guilty sinners and suffered the sentence and punishment
of death for our sins. As a result, Christians are acquitted of their sins
and accounted righteous. In Cranmer’s eucharistic prayer the
language of sin-offering and satisfaction are linked in the phrase,
“full, perfect, and sufficient sacrifice, oblation, and satisfaction.” In
the revised Canadian eucharist prayers, on the other hand, the images
178 Holy Eucharist

of vicarious suffering, sacrifice, and divine deliverance have been
employed without binding them to the later medieval and
Reformation themes of atonement.
Another issue closely related to the issue of atonement is that of
eucharistic offering. In the early liturgies the language of offering is
very fluid, but what it expresses essentially is that the gifts and the
community are offered in and through the sacrifice of Christ. The
close link between offering and anamnesis (remembrance) in the
ancient liturgies makes it clear that the offering of the gifts and the
community are entirely dependent upon the one sacrifice of Christ. In
the Middle Ages the idea gained ground that the eucharist is a
sacrifice in its own right, independent of the sacrifice of the cross. In
this context, Cranmer, along with the other Reformers, rejected the
idea of the sacrifice of the mass, emphasized the once-for-all character
of the sacrifice of Christ, and allowed only the offering of “praise and
thanksgiving” and of “ourselves, our souls, and bodies” in the
eucharist. Cranmer and the Reformers were right in insisting on the
once-for-all and the “full, perfect, and sufficient” character of the
sacrifice of the cross, but Cranmer’s liturgy failed to give adequate
expression to the unity between the Church’s offering and the
offering of Christ expressed in the ancient liturgies and in the patristic
theology of the “whole Christ,” head and members. The revision of
the Canadian eucharistic prayers has sought to give this latter point
clearer expression.
Eucharistic Prayer 1—This prayer is a new composition. It is rooted in

the tradition of Apostolic Constitutions VIII and aims at a rich
expression of the history of salvation.
Eucharistic Prayer 2—The model for this prayer is that which is found
in the Apostolic Tradition of Hippolytus (c. 215). This is one of the
most ancient eucharistic prayers that has come down to us. It has
served as the basis for a number of Anglican, Lutheran, and
Methodist revisions as well as for the second of the new Roman
Catholic eucharistic prayers.
Eucharistic Prayer 3—The model for this prayer is Prayer B in the Book
of Common Prayer of the Episcopal Church U.S.A. This prayer requires
the use of a variable preface. These prefaces are an attempt to enrich
the prayer by offering a more extensive thanksgiving for the
Holy Eucharist 179

particular aspect of the mystery of salvation being celebrated on that
day.
Eucharistic Prayer 4—The model for this prayer is Prayer C in the
Episcopal Prayer Book. Its language of praise for creation and
salvation, using contemporary imagery, has made it one of the most
popular of the new eucharistic prayers in the Episcopal Church. The
Canadian version has a common refrain in order to encourage the use
of this prayer as a text to be sung.
Eucharistic Prayer 5—This prayer is a new composition. Its language is
simple and direct. It was written for use as a sung text with a common
refrain and with celebrations with children in mind.
Eucharistic Prayer 6—This prayer is the work of an unofficial
ecumenical committee of Roman Catholic, Episcopal, Presbyterian,
Lutheran, and Methodist scholars. Its source is the eucharistic prayer
3
in the liturgy of St Basil of Caesarea. It is Eucharistic Prayer D in the
Episcopal Prayer Book. This prayer brings to our tradition the richness
of the Eastern tradition as well as representing an ecumenical
achievement.
The Lord’s Prayer—The use of the Lord’s Prayer at this point in the
liturgy is particularly appropriate in view of the petition for “daily”
bread which had eucharistic associations in the early Church. The
petition for the coming of the kingdom also serves to remind us that
the eucharist is not only a memorial of redemption, but also an
anticipation of the future banquet in the kingdom of God. The
petitions for forgiveness are another way in which the eucharist as an
act of reconciliation is expressed.
The Breaking of the Bread—The breaking of the bread is the third action
in the fourfold “shape” of the liturgy: taking (the offertory), blessing
4 5
(the eucharistic prayer), breaking, and giving (the communion).
Throughout the history of the Church the basic eucharistic actions
have experienced greater or lesser emphasis. The early Church
highlighted the action of breaking bread, to the extent that this
gesture of Christ at the Last Supper gave the entire eucharistic action
its name in apostolic times. The action, while essentially functional,
expresses the unity of the Church which is the fruit of the eucharist.
By sharing in the one loaf which is broken into many pieces the many
members are made one body in Christ.
180 Holy Eucharist

The breaking of the bread may take place in silence or else the
seasonal fraction sentences may be used to highlight the action.
Anthems found on pp. 226–228 may be sung while the bread is being
broken for distribution.
The phrase “The gifts of God for the People of God” serves as an
invitation to receive the sacrament.
The words of distribution are said to each communicant who
responds in faith: “Amen.” Either kneeling or standing are seen as
postures appropriate for receiving communion.
Prayer after Communion—Following a space for silence, a final variable
post-communion prayer is said by the celebrant. It is a prayer in
which the Church asks God to grant the effects of the eucharist to his
people. We ask to become in action what we have received in
sacrament. In doing this the prayer generally recaptures the theme of
the Collect and the Prayer over the Gifts used that day. It may be
concluded with a doxology said by the celebrant and the congregation
together.
There is also an invariable prayer provided after communion, which
may be said by the entire congregation instead of the variable prayer
and the doxology. The theological intent of the prayer is similar to that
of the variable prayers but without being related to the proper of the
day.
Dismissal—Provision has been made for the optional use of a blessing
before the dismissal where it is desired. The custom of giving a
blessing at the end of the eucharistic liturgy stems from a period in the
Middle Ages when very few of those present at the liturgy received
communion. In our time, when very few people present at the
eucharist do not receive communion, the practice of giving an
additional blessing to that received in the act of communion itself
appears superfluous. The dismissal, in which the people are sent into
the world to be the Church, is seen therefore as the normal conclusion
of the rite.
The Penitential Rite—The place of the penitential element in the
eucharistic liturgy needs some historical perspective. In the ancient
Church there was no verbal confession and absolution in the
eucharistic liturgy. This element was introduced into the first Prayer
Book as an element of medieval piety. The ancient Church understood
Holy Eucharist 181

the eucharist as a whole to be the means by which the People of God
are renewed in their baptismal covenant and reconciled to God. “ That
the Church is reconciled only by verbal confession and absolution is a
peculiarly Western absorption that continuously causes sacramental
6
and liturgical problems.”
The present rite gives expression to the penitential element in two
ways: (1) by giving liturgical expression to forgiveness in the Prayers
of the People or in the Confession and Absolution, in the Peace, and
in the Lord’s Prayer, and (2) through the provision of a separate
Penitential Order which is suitable for use during Lent and on other
occasions.
1 The exception is when the Penitential Order is used as a separate rite

immediately preceding the eucharist during Lent or on other occasions (see
below, p. 216).
2 Massey Shepherd has written two useful books on the use of the Psalter in
modern eucharistic rites. They are A Liturgical Psalter for the Christian Year
and The Psalms in Christian Worship, A Practical Guide, both published by
The Liturgical Press, Collegeville, Minnesota, 1976.
3 Leonel Mitchell, “The Alexandrian Anaphora of St. Basil of Caesarea:

Ancient Source of ‘A Common Eucharistic Prayer,’” Anglican Theological
Review, Vol. LVIII, No.2, April 1976, pp. 194–206.
4 The breaking of the bread is thus a separate action and should not take
place during the eucharistic prayer.
5 Gregory Dix, The Shape of the Liturgy, London: Dacre Press, 1945, 1970, pp.
48–50.
6 Aidan Kavanagh, “The Draft Proposed Book of Common Prayer: A Roman

Catholic’s Appreciation,” Anglican Theological Review, Vol. LVIII, No. 3,
July 1976, p. 365.
182 Holy Eucharist

Concerning the Liturgy
The holy table is spread with a clean (white) cloth during the celebration
The celebration of the eucharist is the work of the whole People of God.
However, throughout this rite the term celebrant is used to describe the
bishop or priest who presides at the eucharist.
As chief liturgical officer it is the bishop’s prerogative to preside at the Lord’s
table and to preach the gospel.
It is appropriate that other priests who may be present stand with the
celebrant at the altar during the eucharistic prayer, and join in the breaking of
the bread and in the ministration of communion.
It is the function of a deacon to read the Gospel and to make ready the table for
the celebration, preparing and placing upon it the bread and cup of wine. The
deacon may also lead the Prayers of the People.
Lay persons should normally be assigned the readings which precede the
Gospel, and may lead the Prayers of the People. When authority is given by
the bishop, they may also assist in the ministration of communion.
It is desirable that the readings be read from a lectern or pulpit, and that the
Gospel be read from the same lectern or pulpit, or in the midst of the
congregation. It is desirable that the readings and Gospel be read from a book
or books of appropriate size and dignity.
The leader of the Prayers of the People should use creativity and discretion in
the planning of the intercessions and thanksgivings, and scope should be
provided for members of the congregation to add their own petitions. The
suggested forms are examples; these may be modified as local customs and
needs require. The use of silence in the intercessions is optional.
If there is no communion, all that is appointed through the Prayers of the
People may be said. (If it is desired to include a confession of sin, the service
begins with the Penitential Order.) A hymn or anthem may then be sung,
and the offerings of the people received. The service may then be concluded
with the Lord’s Prayer, and with one of the forms of Dismissal on p. 215, or a
blessing, or with the exchange of the Peace. In the absence of a priest, all that
is described above, except for the absolution and blessing, may be said by a
deacon or, if there is no deacon, by an authorized lay person.
Holy Eucharist 183

When a certain posture is particularly appropriate, it is indicated. For the
rest of the service local custom may be established and followed. The Great
Thanksgiving is a single prayer, the unity of which may be obscured by
changes of posture in the course of it.
During the Great Thanksgiving it is desirable that there be only one chalice
on the altar and, if need be, a flagon, decanter, jug, or suitable container of
wine from which additional chalices may be filled after the breaking of the
bread.
Care should be taken at the time of the preparation of the gifts to place on the
holy table sufficient bread and wine for the communion of the people so that
supplementary consecration is unnecessary. However, if the consecrated bread
or wine does not suffice for the number of communicants, the celebrant
consecrates more of either or both, by saying,
We thank you, heavenly Father, for your saving love, and we
pray you to bless and sanctify this bread (wine) with your
Word and Holy Spirit, that it also may be the sacrament of
the precious body (blood) of your Son, our Lord Jesus Christ.
Amen.
Opportunity is always to be given to every communicant to receive the
consecrated bread and wine separately.
Communion should be given at each celebration of the eucharist from bread
and wine consecrated at that liturgy.
Any remaining consecrated bread and wine (unless reserved for the
communion of persons not present) is consumed at the end of the distribution
or immediately after the service. This is appropriately done at the credence
table or in the sacristy.
184 Holy Eucharist

The Holy Eucharist

All stand. The presiding celebrant greets the community
be with you all.

The following prayer may be said.

Celebrant Almighty God,
All to you all hearts are open,
all desires known,
and from you no secrets are hidden.
Cleanse the thoughts of our hearts
by the inspiration of your Holy Spirit,
that we may perfectly love you,
and worthily magnify your holy name;
through Christ our Lord. Amen.
Then may follow an act of praise: one of the following hymns, or a canticle or
other hymn. It is appropriate that the hymn Glory to God be used during the
Christmas season and from Easter Day through the Day of Pentecost, but not
during the seasons of Advent and Lent. During Lent it is appropriate that
Kyrie Eleison or the Trisagion be used. Other canticles may be found on
pp. 72–95.
Holy Eucharist 185

Glory to God
Celebrant Glory to God in the highest,
All and peace to his people on earth.
Lord God, heavenly king,
we worship you, we give you thanks,
we praise you for your glory.
Lord Jesus Christ, only Son of the Father,
Lord God, Lamb of God,
you take away the sin of the world:
have mercy on us;
you are seated at the right hand of the Father:
receive our prayer.
For you alone are the Holy One,
you alone are the Lord,
you alone are the Most High,
Jesus Christ,
with the Holy Spirit,
in the glory of God the Father. Amen.
Kyrie Eleison
May be sung in three-fold, six-fold, or nine-fold form.
Kyrie eleison.
Christe eleison.
Kyrie eleison.
Or Lord, have mercy.
Christ, have mercy.
Lord, have mercy.
186 Holy Eucharist

Trisagion
May be sung three times or antiphonally, and may include Glory to the
Father.
Holy God,
holy and mighty,
holy immortal one,
have mercy upon us.

The community may pray silently. The celebrant then sings or says the
collect, after which the people respond, Amen.

The Readings
A first reading as appointed.
On Sundays and major festivals a second reading as appointed is read.

Holy Eucharist 187

according to . . .
Sermon
The Nicene Creed shall be said on major festivals. On Sundays either the
Nicene Creed or the Apostles’ Creed is appropriate.
The Nicene Creed

The celebrant may invite the people, in these or similar words, to join in the
recitation of the creed.
Celebrant Let us confess our faith, as we say,
All We believe in one God,
the Father, the Almighty,
maker of heaven and earth,
of all that is, seen and unseen.
We believe in one Lord, Jesus Christ,
the only Son of God,
eternally begotten of the Father,
God from God, Light from Light,
true God from true God,
begotten, not made,
of one being with the Father.
Through him all things were made.
For us and for our salvation
he came down from heaven:
188 Holy Eucharist

by the power of the Holy Spirit
he became incarnate from the Virgin Mary,
and was made man.
For our sake he was crucified
under Pontius Pilate;
he suffered death and was buried.
On the third day he rose again
in accordance with the scriptures;
he ascended into heaven
He will come again in glory
to judge the living and the dead,
and his kingdom will have no end.
We believe in the Holy Spirit,
the Lord, the giver of life,
who proceeds from the Father.
With the Father and the Son
he is worshipped and glorified.
He has spoken through the prophets.
We believe in one holy catholic
and apostolic Church.
We acknowledge one baptism
for the forgiveness of sins.
We look for the resurrection of the dead,
and the life of the world to come. Amen.

Celebrant Let us confess the faith of our baptism,
as we say,
All I believe in God,
Holy Eucharist 189

He will come again
The Prayers of the People

A deacon or lay member of the community leads the Prayers of the People
after the following model. Intercession or thanksgiving may be offered for
the Church
the world
the local community
those in need
the departed.
A short litany may be selected from pp. 110–127. Other prayers are found
on pp. 675–684. These prayers may be modified in accordance with local
need, or extempore forms of prayer may be used.
190 Holy Eucharist

Confession and Absolution
The following prayers may be used here if the Penitential Rite was not used
before the Gathering of the Community, or if penitential intercessions were
not used in the Prayers of the People.
The people are invited to confession in these or similar words.
Celebrant Dear friends in Christ,
God is steadfast in love and infinite in mercy;
he welcomes sinners
and invites them to his table.
Let us confess our sins,
confident in God’s forgiveness.
Silence is kept.
Celebrant Most merciful God,
All we confess that we have sinned against you
by what we have done,
Celebrant Almighty God have mercy upon you,
People Amen.
Holy Eucharist 191

The Peace
All stand, and the presiding celebrant addresses the people.
The Celebration of the Eucharist

The Preparation of the Gifts
It is appropriate that a hymn be sung during the offertory. Representatives of
the people may present the gifts of bread and wine for the eucharist (with
money and other gifts for the needs and responsibilities of the Church) to the
deacon or celebrant before the altar.
The Prayer over the Gifts

When the gifts have been prepared, the celebrant may say the Prayer over
the Gifts, following which the people say, Amen.
The Great Thanksgiving

One of the following eucharistic prayers shall be used.
192 Holy Eucharist

Eucharistic Prayer 1
Celebrant The Lord be with you.
Celebrant Lift up your hearts.
People We lift them to the Lord.
Celebrant It is indeed right that we should praise you,
gracious God,
for you created all things.
You formed us in your own image:
male and female you created us.
When we turned away from you in sin,
you did not cease to care for us,
but opened a path of salvation for all people.
You made a covenant with Israel,
and through your servants Abraham and Sarah
gave the promise of a blessing to all nations.
Through Moses you led your people
from bondage into freedom;
through the prophets
you renewed your promise of salvation.
Therefore, with them, and with all your saints
who have served you in every age,
we give thanks and raise our voices
to proclaim the glory of your name.
All Holy, holy, holy Lord,

God of power and might,
Hosanna in the highest.
Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord.
Holy Eucharist 193

Celebrant Holy God, source of life and goodness,
all creation rightly gives you praise.
In the fullness of time,
you sent your Son Jesus Christ,
to share our human nature,
to live and die as one of us,
to reconcile us to you,
the God and Father of all.
He healed the sick
and ate and drank with outcasts and sinners;
he opened the eyes of the blind
and proclaimed the good news of your kingdom
to the poor and to those in need.
In all things he fulfilled your gracious will.
On the night he freely gave himself to death,
our Lord Jesus Christ took bread,
and when he had given thanks to you,
he broke it, and gave it to his disciples,
and said, “ Take, eat:
this is my body which is given for you.
Do this for the remembrance of me.”
After supper he took the cup of wine;
and when he had given thanks,
he gave it to them,
and said, “ Drink this, all of you:
this is my blood of the new covenant,
which is shed for you and for many
Whenever you drink it,
do this for the remembrance of me.”
Gracious God,
his perfect sacrifice
destroys the power of sin and death;
by raising him to life
you give us life for evermore.
194 Holy Eucharist

Therefore we proclaim the mystery of faith.
All Christ has died.
Christ is risen.
Christ will come again.
Or
Celebrant Therefore we proclaim our hope.
All Dying you destroyed our death,
rising you restored our life.
Lord Jesus, come in glory.
Celebrant Recalling his death,
proclaiming his resurrection,
and looking for his coming again in glory,
we offer you, Father, this bread and this cup.
Send your Holy Spirit upon us
and upon these gifts,
that all who eat and drink at this table
may be one body and one holy people,
a living sacrifice in Jesus Christ, our Lord.
Through Christ, with Christ, and in Christ,
in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
all glory is yours, almighty Father,
now and for ever.
People Amen.
The service continues with the Lord’s Prayer on p. 211.
Holy Eucharist 195

Celebrant We give you thanks and praise, almighty God,
through your beloved Son, Jesus Christ,
our Saviour and Redeemer.
He is your living Word,
through whom you have created all things.
By the power of the Holy Spirit
he took flesh of the Virgin Mary
and shared our human nature.
He lived and died as one of us,
to reconcile us to you,
the God and Father of all.
In fulfilment of your will

he stretched out his hands in suffering,
to bring release to those who place their hope in you;
and so he won for you a holy people.
He chose to bear our griefs and sorrows,
and to give up his life on the cross,
that he might shatter the chains of evil and death,
and banish the darkness of sin and despair.
By his resurrection
he brings us into the light of your presence.
Now with all creation we raise our voices

196 Holy Eucharist

Celebrant Holy and gracious God,
accept our praise,
through your Son our Saviour Jesus Christ;
who on the night he was handed over
to suffering and death,
took bread and gave you thanks,
saying, “Take, and eat:
this is my body which is broken for you.”
In the same way he took the cup,
saying, “This is my blood which is shed for you.
When you do this, you do it in memory of me.”
Remembering, therefore, his death and resurrection,
we offer you this bread and this cup,
giving thanks that you have made us worthy
to stand in your presence and serve you.
We ask you to send your Holy Spirit
upon the offering of your holy Church.
Gather into one
all who share in these sacred mysteries,
filling them with the Holy Spirit
and confirming their faith in the truth,
that together we may praise you
and give you glory
through your Servant, Jesus Christ.
All glory and honour are yours,
Father and Son,
with the Holy Spirit
in the holy Church,
now and for ever.
People Amen.
Holy Eucharist 197

Here follows one of the proper prefaces on pp. 218–226.
Celebrant We give thanks to you, Lord our God,
for the goodness and love
you have made known to us in creation;
in calling Israel to be your people;
in your Word spoken through the prophets;
and above all in the Word made flesh,
Jesus your Son.
For in these last days you sent him
to be incarnate from the Virgin Mary,
to be the Saviour and Redeemer of the world.
In him, you have delivered us from evil,
and made us worthy to stand before you.
In him, you have brought us
out of error into truth,
out of sin into righteousness,
out of death into life.
On the night he was handed over
198 Holy Eucharist

a death he freely accepted,
our Lord Jesus Christ took bread;
and said, “ Take, eat:
he gave it to them,
and said, “Drink this, all of you:
Therefore, Father, according to his command,
All we remember his death,
we proclaim his resurrection,
we await his coming in glory;
Celebrant and we offer our sacrifice
of praise and thanksgiving
to you, Lord of all;
presenting to you, from your creation,
this bread and this wine.
We pray you, gracious God,
to send your Holy Spirit upon these gifts,
that they may be the sacrament
of the body of Christ
and his blood of the new covenant.
Unite us to your Son in his sacrifice,
that we, made acceptable in him,
may be sanctified by the Holy Spirit.
Holy Eucharist 199

reconcile all things in Christ,
and make them new,
and bring us to that city of light
where you dwell with all your sons and daughters;
the firstborn of all creation,
the head of the Church,
and the author of our salvation;
by whom, and with whom, and in whom,
all honour and glory are yours, almighty Father,
now and for ever.
People Amen.
200 Holy Eucharist

Celebrant It is right to give you thanks and praise,
O Lord, our God, sustainer of the universe,
you are worthy of glory and praise.
People Glory to you for ever and ever.
Celebrant At your command all things came to be:
the vast expanse of interstellar space,
galaxies, suns, the planets in their courses,
and this fragile earth, our island home;
by your will they were created and have their being.
Celebrant From the primal elements
you brought forth the human race,
and blessed us with memory, reason, and skill;
you made us the stewards of creation.
Celebrant But we turn against you, and betray your trust;
and we turn against one another.
Again and again you call us to return.
Through the prophets and sages
you reveal your righteous law.
In the fullness of time you sent your Son,
born of a woman, to be our Saviour.
He was wounded for our transgressions,
and bruised for our iniquities.
By his death he opened to us
the way of freedom and peace.
Holy Eucharist 201

Celebrant Therefore we praise you,
joining with the heavenly chorus,
with prophets, apostles, and martyrs,
and with those in every generation
who have looked to you in hope,
to proclaim with them your glory,
in their unending hymn:
Celebrant Blessed are you, Lord our God,
for sending us Jesus, the Christ,
who on the night he was handed over
took bread, said the blessing,
broke the bread, gave it to his friends,
and said, “Take this, and eat it:
In the same way, after supper,
he took the cup of wine;
he gave you thanks,
202 Holy Eucharist

Celebrant Gracious God,
we recall the death of your Son Jesus Christ,
we proclaim his resurrection and ascension,
and we look with expectation for his coming
as Lord of all the nations.
We who have been redeemed by him,
and made a new people by water and the Spirit,
now bring you these gifts.
Send your Holy Spirit upon us
and upon this offering of your Church,
that we who eat and drink at this holy table
may share the divine life of Christ our Lord.
Celebrant Pour out your Spirit upon the whole earth
and make it your new creation.
Gather your Church together
from the ends of the earth into your kingdom,
where peace and justice are revealed,
that we, with all your people,
of every language, race, and nation,
may share the banquet you have promised;
through Christ, with Christ, and in Christ,
all honour and glory are yours,
creator of all.
People Glory to you for ever and ever. Amen.
Holy Eucharist 203

Other refrains than “Glory to you for ever and ever” may be used with this
prayer, or the refrain may be omitted.
Celebrant We give you thanks and praise, almighty God,
for the gift of a world full of wonder,
and for our life which comes from you.
By your power you sustain the universe.
Celebrant You created us to love you with all our heart,
and to love each other as ourselves,
but we rebel against you by the evil that we do.
In Jesus, your Son,
you bring healing to our world
and gather us into one great family.
Therefore, with all who serve you
on earth and in heaven,
we praise your wonderful name, as we sing (say),

204 Holy Eucharist

Celebrant We give you thanks and praise, loving Father,
because in sending Jesus, your Son, to us
you showed us how much you love us.
He cares for the poor and the hungry.
He suffers with the sick and the rejected.
Betrayed and forsaken, he did not strike back
but overcame hatred with love.
On the cross
he defeated the power of sin and death.
By raising him from the dead
you show us the power of your love
to bring new life to all your people.
Celebrant On the night before he gave up his life for us,
Jesus, at supper with his friends,
took bread, gave thanks to you,
broke it, and gave it to them,
saying, “Take this, all of you, and eat it:
this is my body which is given for you.”
After supper, Jesus took the cup of wine,
said the blessing, gave it to his friends,
this is the cup of my blood,
the blood of the new and eternal covenant,
which is shed for you and for many,
so that sins may be forgiven.
Do this in memory of me.”
Celebrant Gracious God,
with this bread and wine
we celebrate the death and resurrection of Jesus,
and we offer ourselves to you in him.
Holy Eucharist 205

Send your Holy Spirit on us and on these gifts,
that we may know the presence of Jesus
in the breaking of bread,
and share in the life
of the family of your children.
Celebrant Father, you call us to be your servants;
fill us with the courage and love of Jesus,
that all the world may gather in joy
at the table of your kingdom.
We sing your praise, almighty Father,
through Jesus, our Lord,
in the power of the Holy Spirit,
now and for ever.
People Glory to you for ever and ever. Amen.
206 Holy Eucharist

Celebrant It is right to glorify you, Father,
and to give you thanks;
for you alone are God, living and true,
dwelling in light inaccessible
from before time and for ever.
Fountain of life and source of all goodness,
you made all things
and fill them with your blessing;
you created them to rejoice
in the splendour of your radiance.
Countless throngs of angels stand before you
to serve you night and day,
and, beholding your presence,
they offer you unceasing praise.
Joining with them,
and giving voice to every creature under heaven,
we acclaim you, and glorify your name,
as we sing (say),
Celebrant We acclaim you, holy Lord, glorious in power;
your mighty works reveal your wisdom and love.
Holy Eucharist 207

You formed us in your own image,
giving the whole world into our care,
so that, in obedience to you, our creator,
we might rule and serve all your creatures.
When our disobedience took us far from you,
you did not abandon us to the power of death.
In your mercy you came to our help,
so that in seeking you we might find you.
Again and again
you called us into covenant with you,
and through the prophets
you taught us to hope for salvation.
Father, you loved the world so much
that in the fullness of time
you sent your only Son to be our Saviour.
Incarnate by the Holy Spirit,
born of the Virgin Mary,
he lived as one of us, yet without sin.
To the poor
he proclaimed the good news of salvation;
to prisoners, freedom;
to the sorrowful, joy.
To fulfil your purpose
he gave himself up to death
and, rising from the grave, destroyed death
and made the whole creation new.
And that we might live no longer for ourselves,
but for him who died and rose for us,
he sent the Holy Spirit,
his own first gift for those who believe,
to complete his work in the world,
and to bring to fulfilment
the sanctification of all.
When the hour had come for him to be glorified
by you, his heavenly Father,
having loved his own who were in the world,
he loved them to the end:
208 Holy Eucharist

at supper with them he took bread;
and said, “Take, eat:
he gave it to them,
Father,
we now celebrate the memorial of our redemption.
Recalling Christ’s death
and descent among the dead,
proclaiming his resurrection
and ascension to your right hand,
awaiting his coming in glory;
and offering to you,
from the gifts you have given us,
this bread and this cup,
we praise you and we bless you.
All We praise you, we bless you,
we give thanks to you,
and we pray to you, Lord our God.
Celebrant Father,
we pray that in your goodness and mercy
your Holy Spirit may descend upon us,
and upon these gifts,
sanctifying them and showing them
to be holy gifts for your holy people,
the bread of life and the cup of salvation,
the body and blood of your Son Jesus Christ.
Holy Eucharist 209

Grant that all who share this bread and this cup
may become one body and one spirit,
a living sacrifice in Christ
to the praise of your name.
Remember, Lord,
your one holy catholic and apostolic Church,
redeemed by the blood of your Christ.
Reveal its unity, guard its faith,
and preserve it in peace.
[Remember ( . . . and) all who minister
in your Church.]
[Remember all your people,
and those who seek your truth.]
[Remember . . . ]
[Remember all who have died
in the peace of Christ,
and those whose faith is known to you alone;
bring them into the place
of eternal joy and light.]
And grant that we may find our inheritance
with [the blessed Virgin Mary,
with patriarchs, prophets, apostles, and martyrs,
(with . . . ) and] all the saints
who have found favour with you in ages past.
We praise you in union with them
and give you glory
through your Son Jesus Christ our Lord.
Through Christ, and with Christ, and in Christ,
all honour and glory are yours,
for ever and ever.
People Amen.
210 Holy Eucharist

The Lord’s Prayer
Celebrant As our Saviour taught us, let us pray,
your kingdom come,
your will be done,
Forgive us our sins
Or
Celebrant And now, as our Saviour Christ has taught us,
we are bold to say,
thy kingdom come,
thy will be done,
Silence
Holy Eucharist 211

The Breaking of the Bread
The celebrant breaks the consecrated bread for distribution, and may say one
of the following:
Celebrant “I am the bread of life,” says the Lord.
“Whoever comes to me will never be hungry;
whoever believes in me will never thirst.”
All Taste and see that the Lord is good;
happy are they who trust in him!
Or 2
Celebrant We break this bread
to share in the body of Christ.
All We, being many, are one body,
for we all share in the one bread.
Or 3
Celebrant Creator of all,
you gave us golden fields of wheat,
whose many grains we have gathered
and made into this one bread.
All So may your Church be gathered
from the ends of the earth
into your kingdom.
Or 4
Celebrant “I am the bread which has come down from
heaven,” says the Lord.
All Give us this bread for ever.
Celebrant “I am the vine, you are the branches.”
All May we dwell in him, as he lives in us.
5 Advent
Celebrant God of promise,
you prepare a banquet for us in your kingdom.
All Happy are those who are called
to the supper of the Lamb.
212 Holy Eucharist

6 Incarnation
Celebrant We break the bread of life,
and that life is the light of the world.
All God here among us,
light in the midst of us,
bring us to light and life.
7 Lent and Holy Week

Celebrant We break this bread,
All Communion in Christ’s body once broken.
Celebrant Let your Church be the wheat
which bears its fruit in dying.
All If we have died with him,
we shall live with him;
if we hold firm,
we shall reign with him.
8 Easter Season
Celebrant Lord, we died with you on the cross.
All Now we are raised to new life.
Celebrant We were buried in your tomb.
All Now we share in your resurrection.
Celebrant Live in us, that we may live in you.
The Communion
The celebrant invites the people to share in communion and may say,
The gifts of God for the People of God.
The celebrant and people then receive communion. The sacrament is given
with the following words.
The body of Christ (given for you).
The blood of Christ (shed for you).
Holy Eucharist 213

Or The body of Christ, the bread of heaven.
The blood of Christ, the cup of salvation.
The communicant responds each time, Amen.
During the breaking of the bread and the communion, psalms, hymns, and
anthems such as those on pp. 226–228 may be sung.
At the conclusion of the communion, silence may be kept.
Prayer after Communion

Standing, the community prays in silence. The celebrant may say the Prayer
after Communion appointed for the day. At the conclusion of the prayer the
congregation says, Amen.
Then the following doxology may be said.
Celebrant Glory to God,
All whose power, working in us,
can do infinitely more
than we can ask or imagine.
Glory to God from generation to generation,
in the Church and in Christ Jesus,
Or instead of the Prayer after Communion and the doxology, the following
may be said.
Celebrant All your works praise you, O Lord.
All And your faithful servants bless you.
Gracious God
we thank you for feeding us
with the body and blood of your Son
Jesus Christ.
May we, who share his body,
live his risen life;
we, who drink his cup,
ring life to others;
214 Holy Eucharist

we, whom the Spirit lights,
give light to the world.
Keep us firm in the hope you have set before us,
so that we and all your children shall be free,
and the whole earth live to praise your name;
Dismissal
The celebrant may bless the people. The deacon, or other leader, dismisses the
people, saying in these or similar words,
Go forth in the name of Christ.
Or the following:
Leader Go in peace to love and serve the Lord.
Or the following:
Leader Go forth into the world,
rejoicing in the power of the Spirit.
Or the following:
Leader Let us bless the Lord.
Holy Eucharist 215

A Penitential Order
This rite is appropriate for use before the eucharist on Sundays during Lent.
It may also be used on other occasions or as a separate service. When this
order is used before the eucharist, the eucharist begins with an act of praise or
the Collect of the Day. When used separately, it concludes with suitable
prayers, and one of the forms of Dismissal on p. 215 or a blessing.
Greeting
be with you all.
Celebrant Bless the Lord who forgives all our sins.
People His mercy endures for ever.

all desires known,
The Word of God

A suitable passage of scripture, such as one of the following, may be read.
Exodus 20.1–17 Matthew 9.9–13 Luke 15.11–32
Deuteronomy 5.6–21 Matthew 18.15–20 Luke 19.1–10
Isaiah 55.6–7 Matthew 25.31–46 John 8.1–11
Ezekiel 11.19–20 Mark 12.28–34 Romans 6.3–11
Matthew 5.13–16 Luke 15.1–7 or 8–10 1 John 1.8–9
216 Penitential Order

If this order is used as a separate service, a sermon may follow.

The people are invited to confession in these or similar words.
Celebrant Dear friends in Christ,
God is steadfast in love and infinite in mercy;
he welcomes sinners
and invites them to his table.
Let us confess our sins,
confident in God’s forgiveness.
Silence is kept.
Celebrant Most merciful God,
People we confess that we have sinned against you
The celebrant stands and says,
People Amen.
Penitential Order 217
Proper Prefaces
Lord’s Day
Blessed are you, gracious God,
creator of heaven and earth;
you are the source of light and life for all your creation,
you made us in your own image,
and call us to new life in Jesus Christ our Saviour.
Therefore we praise you,
joining our voices to proclaim the glory of your name.
Lord’s Day
who on this first day of the week
overcame death and the grave,
and by his glorious resurrection
opened to us the way of everlasting life.
In our unending joy
we echo on earth the song of the angels in heaven
as we raise our voices
Lord’s Day
by water and the Holy Spirit
you have made us a holy people
in Jesus Christ our Lord;
you renew that mystery in bread and wine and nourish us,
to show forth your glory in all the world.
Therefore with angels and archangels,
and with all the holy people
who have served you in every age,
we raise our voices
218 Prefaces
Weekdays When no other preface is provided
today you have gathered us together
in this eucharistic feast,
that we may be renewed in love, joy, and peace.
Now with all creation we lift our voices
Advent
who in the fullness of time came among us in our flesh,
and opened to us the way of salvation.
Now we watch for the day when he will come again
in power and great triumph to judge this world,
that we, without shame or fear,
may rejoice to behold his appearing.
Therefore we praise you,
joining our voices with angels and archangels
and with all the company of heaven,
who for ever sing this hymn
Christmas
who in the mystery of his incarnation
was made perfect man
of the flesh of the Virgin Mary his mother;
in him we have seen a new and radiant vision of your glory.
Therefore with all the angels of heaven,
we lift our voices and sing our joyful hymn of praise
Prefaces 219
Incarnation
creator of heaven and earth,
because in the mystery of the Word made flesh
you have caused a new light to shine in our hearts,
to give knowledge of salvation
in the face of your Son Jesus Christ our Lord.
Now with angels and archangels
and the whole company of heaven,
we lift our voices
Epiphany
you have revealed your eternal plan of salvation,
and have shown your Son Jesus Christ
to be the light of all peoples.
Therefore with angels and archangels
we raise our voices in joyful praise
Lent
because you bid your faithful people
to cleanse their hearts
and to prepare with joy for the paschal feast;
that reborn through the waters of baptism
and renewed in the eucharistic mystery,
we may be more fervent in prayer
and more generous in the works of love.
Therefore we raise our voices to you in praise
Lent
220 Prefaces
who was tempted in every way, yet did not sin.
By his grace we are able to triumph over every evil,
and to live no longer for ourselves alone,
but for him who died for us and rose again.
and all who have served you in every age,
we raise our voices
Holy Week
who for our sins was lifted high upon the cross,
that he might draw the whole world to himself.
By his suffering and death,
he became the source of eternal salvation
for all who put their trust in him.
Therefore with all the host of heaven
who gather around your throne and the Lamb,
we raise our voices
Holy Week
who for our salvation became obedient unto death.
The tree of defeat became the tree of victory:
where life was lost, life has been restored.
and all the heavenly chorus,
we cry out to proclaim the glory of your name.
Prefaces 221
Easter
for the glorious resurrection of your Son
Jesus Christ our Lord;
for he is the true paschal lamb
who has taken away the sin of the world.
By his death he destroyed death,
and by his rising to life again
he has won for us eternal life.
Therefore, joining our voices
with the whole company of heaven,
we sing our joyful hymn of praise
Ascension
who after his glorious resurrection
appeared to his disciples,
and in their sight ascended into heaven
to prepare a place for us;
that where he is, there we might also be,
and reign with him in glory.
Therefore we praise you with angels and archangels
Pentecost
222 Prefaces
In fulfilment of your promise
you pour forth your Spirit upon us,
filling us with gifts and leading us into all truth.
You give us power to proclaim your gospel to all nations
and to serve you as a royal priesthood.
Therefore we join our voices with angels and archangels,
and with all those in whom the Spirit dwells,
Trinity Sunday
we give you thanks and praise,
because, in the mystery you disclose to us,
you reveal your glory
as the glory of your Son and the Holy Spirit:
three persons equal in majesty,
undivided in splendour, yet one Lord, one God,
ever to be adored in your everlasting glory.
Therefore with all the company of heaven
we raise our voices to proclaim the glory of your name.
Last Sunday after Pentecost: The Reign of Christ

You exalted him as Lord of all creation
that he might present to you
an eternal and universal kingdom:
a kingdom of truth and life,
a kingdom of holiness and grace,
a kingdom of justice, love, and peace.
Therefore at the name of Jesus every knee shall bow
as heaven and earth proclaim the glory of your name.
Prefaces 223
All Saints
in the multitude of your saints
you have surrounded us
with so great a cloud of witnesses,
that we, rejoicing in their fellowship,
may run with patience the race that is set before us,
and together with them receive the crown of glory
that never fades away.
and with all who have served you in every age,
we raise our voices to proclaim the glory of your name.
Apostles
who after his resurrection sent forth apostles
to preach the gospel and to teach all nations,
and promised to be with them always,
even to the end of the ages.
and all your holy people,
we raise our voices
A Saint
because in the fellowship of your saints
you have given us a glorious pledge
of the hope of our calling.
Therefore we join our voices with theirs
as earth and heaven unite
224 Prefaces
A Martyr
you are glorified in the assembly of your saints.
All your martyrs bless you and praise you,
confessing before the powers of this world
the great name of your only Son.
Therefore we join our voices with theirs,
and with all who have served you in every age,
Marriage
in the assembly of your people.
You made us in your image:
You give us the gift of marriage,
and call us to reflect your faithfulness
as we serve one another
in the bond of covenant love.
Therefore we raise our voices
with all who have served you in every age,
Commemoration of the Dead

whose victorious rising from the dead
has given to us the hope of resurrection
and the promise of eternal life.
we raise our voices
Prefaces 225
Ordination
who came not to be served, but to serve
and to give his life a ransom for many.
He calls his faithful servants
to lead your holy people in love,
nourishing them by your word and sacraments.
Now with all creation we raise our voices
Anthems
To be Sung During the Breaking of Bread and Communion
These anthems are of varying length, and should be chosen on the basis of the
time required. Some of them may be sung responsively between cantor and
congregation or choir as indicated.
Christ our Passover is sacrificed for us;
Therefore let us keep the feast.
The bread which we break is a sharing in the body of Christ.
We being many are one bread, one body,
for we all share in the one bread.
have mercy on us.
have mercy on us.
grant us peace.
My flesh is food indeed, and my blood is drink indeed,

says the Lord.
says the Lord.
226 Anthems
Those who eat my flesh and drink my blood dwell in me
and I in them.
says the Lord.
Whoever eats this bread will live for ever.
This is the true bread which comes down from heaven and
gives life to the world.
Whoever believes in me shall not hunger or thirst,
for the bread which I give for the life of the world is my flesh.
The following anthems are not appropriate to the season of Lent.
Alleluia! Christ our Passover is sacrificed for us;
Therefore let us keep the feast. Alleluia!
Alleluia!
Alleluia!
Therefore let us keep the feast. Alleluia!
Alleluia!
Alleluia!
therefore let us keep the feast.
Alleluia!
The disciples knew the Lord Jesus
in the breaking of the bread.
The bread which we break, alleluia,
is the communion of the body of Christ.
One body are we, alleluia,
for though many we share one bread.
Anthems 227
Be known to us, Lord Jesus, in the breaking of the bread.
The bread which we break, alleluia,
is the communion of the body of Christ.
One body are we, alleluia,
for though many, we share one bread.
Any of the fraction sentences on pp. 212–213 may also be sung.
The following anthems may be used as separate pieces or as refrains with
selected verses from the psalms. In Easter season it is appropriate to add
Alleluia to the anthem or refrain.
Blessed are those who are called to the supper of the Lamb.
Whoever comes to me shall not hunger, and whoever believes
in me shall never thirst.
Those who eat my flesh and drink my blood abide in me and I
in them.
You shall eat and drink at my table in my kingdom, says the
Lord.
Christ our Passover is sacrificed for us; therefore let us keep the
feast.
Suggested Psalm Verses

Advent Psalm 85.8–11
Christmas through the Baptism of the Lord
Psalm 96.8–11 Psalm 110.1–4
Lent Psalm 106.4–5 Psalm 108.3–6
Easter Psalm 107.1–3, 8 Psalm 116.10–11, 16–17
General Psalm 34.3–8 Psalm 105.1–4

Psalm 43.3–4 Psalm 117
Psalm 103.1–4
228 Anthems
The Holy Eucharist
A Form in the Language of the Book of Common Prayer 1962

Notes found on pp. 183–184 apply to this service also.
The celebrant should pick up and hold the bread and the cup at appropriate
points in the institution narrative, but the bread should be broken after the
Lord’s Prayer.
If the consecrated bread or wine is insufficient for the number of
communicants, the celebrant consecrates more, saying,
We thank thee, heavenly Father, for thy saving love, and we
pray thee to bless and sanctify this bread (wine) with thy
Word and Holy Spirit, that it also may be the sacrament of
the precious body (blood) of thy Son, our Lord Jesus Christ.
Amen.
Holy Eucharist (1962) 229

The Holy Eucharist
A Form in the Language of the Book of Common Prayer 1962

The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ,
be with you all.
People And with thy spirit.

Then may be said by the celebrant alone or with the people,

Almighty God,
unto whom all hearts be open,
all desires known,
and from whom no secrets are hid:
cleanse the thoughts of our hearts
by the inspiration of thy Holy Spirit,
that we may perfectly love thee,
and worthily magnify thy holy name;
Then one or more of the following may be said or sung. It is appropriate that
the hymn Gloria in Excelsis be used during the Christmas season and from
Easter Day through the Day of Pentecost, but not during the seasons of
Advent and Lent. During Lent it is appropriate that the Kyrie Eleison or the
230 Holy Eucharist (1962)

Trisagion be used. Kyrie Eleison may be sung in three-fold, six-fold, or nine-
fold form. The Trisagion may be sung three times or antiphonally.
1 The Summary of the Law

Celebrant Our Lord Jesus Christ said: hear, O Israel, the Lord
our God is one Lord; and thou shalt love the Lord
thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul,
and with all thy mind, and with all thy strength.
This is the first and great commandment. And the
second is like unto it: thou shalt love thy neighbour
as thyself. On these two commandments hang all
the law and the prophets.
People Lord, have mercy upon us, and write both these
thy laws in our hearts, we beseech thee.
2 The Decalogue, see p. 250
3 Kyrie Eleison
Lord, have mercy upon us.
Christ, have mercy upon us.
Lord, have mercy upon us.
Or
Kyrie eleison.
Christe eleison.
Kyrie eleison.
4 Gloria in Excelsis
Glory be to God on high,
and in earth peace, good will towards men.
We praise thee, we bless thee,
we worship thee,
we glorify thee,
we give thanks to thee for thy great glory,
O Lord God, heavenly king, God the Father almighty.
O Lord, the only-begotten Son, Jesus Christ;
O Lord God, Lamb of God, Son of the Father,
that takest away the sin of the world,
have mercy upon us.
Thou that takest away the sin of the world,
receive our prayer.
Thou that sittest at the right hand of God the Father,
have mercy upon us.
For thou only art holy;
thou only art the Lord;
thou only, O Christ,
with the Holy Ghost,
art most high in the glory of God the Father. Amen.
5 Trisagion
Holy God,
holy and mighty,
holy immortal one,
have mercy upon us.

The celebrant shall say,
Let us pray.
The community may pray silently. The celebrant then sings or says the
collect, after which the people respond, Amen.

The Readings


according to . . .
People Glory be to thee, O Lord.
People Praise be to thee, O Christ.
The Sermon
A silence for reflection may follow. The Nicene Creed shall be said on major
festivals. On Sundays either the Nicene Creed or the Apostles’ Creed (p. 251)
is appropriate.

The Nicene Creed
I believe in one God,
maker of heaven and earth,
and of all things visible and invisible;
And in one Lord Jesus Christ,
the only-begotten Son of God,
begotten of the Father before all worlds,
God, of God; Light, of Light;
very God, of very God;
begotten, not made;
being of one substance with the Father;
through whom all things were made:
who for us and for our salvation
came down from heaven,
and was incarnate by the Holy Ghost of the Virgin Mary,
and was made man,
and was crucified also for us under Pontius Pilate.
He suffered and was buried,
and the third day he rose again
according to the scriptures,
and ascended into heaven,
and sitteth on the right hand of the Father.
And he shall come again with glory
to judge both the quick and the dead:
whose kingdom shall have no end.
And I believe in the Holy Ghost,
the Lord, the giver of life,
who proceedeth from the Father and the Son,
who with the Father and the Son together
is worshipped and glorified,
who spake by the prophets.
And I believe one, holy, catholic, and apostolic Church.
I acknowledge one baptism for the remission of sins.
And I look for the resurrection of the dead,
and the life of the world to come. Amen.

A deacon or lay member of the community may lead the Prayers of the People.
Intercessions and thanksgivings may be used according to local custom and
need. All or portions of either of the following forms may be used.
Leader Let us pray for the Church and the world.
Almighty and everliving God, who by thy holy
Apostle hast taught us to make prayers and
supplications, and to give thanks for all people:
we humbly beseech thee most mercifully to receive
these our prayers, which we offer unto thy divine
majesty; beseeching thee to inspire continually
the universal Church with the spirit of truth,
unity, and concord: and grant that all they that
do confess thy holy name may agree in the truth
of thy holy word, and live in unity and godly
love.
Give grace, O heavenly Father, to all bishops,
priests, and deacons, (and specially to thy
servant N our bishop), that they may both by
their life and doctrine set forth thy true and
living word, and rightly and duly administer thy
holy sacraments: prosper, we pray thee, all
those who proclaim the gospel of thy kingdom
among the nations: and to all thy people give
thy heavenly grace, and specially to this
congregation here present, that, with meek heart
and due reverence, they may hear and receive thy
holy word; truly serving thee in holiness and
righteousness all the days of their life.
We beseech thee also to lead all nations in the
way of righteousness; and so to guide and direct
their governors and rulers, that thy people may
enjoy the blessings of freedom and peace: and
grant to thy servant Elizabeth our Queen, and to

all that are put in authority under her, that
they may truly and impartially administer
justice, to the maintenance of thy true religion
and virtue.
And we most humbly beseech thee of thy
goodness, O Lord, to comfort and succour all them,
who in this transitory life are in trouble, sorrow,
need, sickness, or any other adversity, (especially
those for whom our prayers are desired).
We remember before thee, O Lord, all thy servants
departed this life in thy faith and fear: and we bless
thy holy name for all who in life and death have
glorified thee; beseeching thee to give us grace that,
rejoicing in their fellowship, we may follow their
good examples, and with them be partakers of thy
heavenly kingdom.
Grant this, O Father, for Jesus Christ’s sake, our
only Mediator and Advocate, to whom, with thee
and the Holy Spirit, be all honour and glory, world
without end. Amen.
Or the following:
Leader In peace let us pray to the Lord.
People Lord, have mercy.
Leader For peace from on high
and for our salvation,
Leader For the peace of the whole world,
for the welfare of the holy Church of God,
and for the unity of all,

Leader For our bishops,
and for all the clergy and people,
Leader For Elizabeth our Queen,
for the leaders of the nations,
and for all in authority,
Leader For this city (town, village, etc.),
for every city and community,
and for those who live in them in faith,
Leader For good weather,
and for abundant harvests for all to share,
Leader For those who travel by land, water, or air,
for the sick and the suffering (especially . . . )
for prisoners and captives,
and for their safety, health, and salvation,
Leader For our deliverance from all affliction,
strife, and need,
Leader For the absolution and remission
of our sins and offences,

Leader For all who have died (especially . . . )
Leader Remembering ( . . . and) all the saints,
we commit ourselves, one another,
and our whole life to Christ our God.
People To thee, O Lord.
Leader Almighty God, who hast given us grace at this time
with one accord to make our common supplications
unto thee; and dost promise that when two or three
are gathered together in thy name thou wilt hear
their requests: fulfil now, O Lord, the desires and
petitions of thy servants as may be most expedient
for them; granting us in this world knowledge of
thy truth, and in the world to come life everlasting;
for thou, Father, art good and loving, and we
glorify thee through thy Son Jesus Christ our Lord,
in the Holy Spirit, now and for ever.
People Amen.

A confession of sin may be made here if a penitential rite has not been used
earlier, or if penitential intercessions were not used in the Prayers of the
People. The celebrant or other person may say one or more of the following:
Hear what comfortable words our Saviour Christ
saith unto all that truly turn to him.
Come unto me all that labour and are heavy laden,
and I will refresh you. Matthew 1.28
God so loved the world, that he gave his only-
begotten Son, to the end that all that believe in him
should not perish, but have eternal life. John 3.16

Hear also what Saint Paul saith.
This is a true saying, and worthy of all to be
received, that Christ Jesus came into the world to
save sinners. 1 Timothy 1.15
Hear also what Saint John saith.
If anyone sin, we have an Advocate with the
Father, Jesus Christ the righteous; and he is the
propitiation for our sins: and not for ours only, but
also for the sins of the whole world. 1 John 2.1,2
Then shall be said:
Let us humbly confess our sins to almighty God.
Or Ye that do truly and earnestly repent you of your
sins, and are in love and charity with your
neighbours, and intend to lead the new life,
following the commandments of God, and walking
from henceforth in his holy ways: draw near with
faith, and take this holy sacrament to your comfort;
and make your humble confession to almighty God.
Silence is kept. The celebrant and people say together,
Almighty God, Father of our Lord Jesus Christ,
Maker of all things and judge of all people: We
acknowledge and confess our manifold sins and
wickedness, Which we from time to time most
grievously have committed, By thought, word and
deed, Against thy divine majesty. We do earnestly
repent, and are heartily sorry for these our
misdoings. Have mercy upon us, most merciful
Father; For thy Son our Lord Jesus Christ’s sake,
Forgive us all that is past; And grant that we may
ever hereafter Serve and please thee In newness of
life, To the honour and glory of thy name; Through

Celebrant Almighty God, our heavenly Father, who of his
great mercy hath promised forgiveness of sins to all
them that with hearty repentance and true faith
turn unto him: have mercy upon you; pardon and
deliver you from all your sins; confirm and
strengthen you in all goodness; and bring you to
everlasting life; through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Amen.
The Peace
Celebrant The peace of the Lord be always with you.

The Preparation of Gifts
During the offertory a hymn, psalm, or anthem may be sung. Representatives
of the people may present the gifts of bread and wine for the eucharist (with
money and other gifts for the needs and responsibilities of the Church) to the
deacon or celebrant before the altar.
The Prayer over the Gifts

When the gifts have been prepared, the celebrant may say the Prayer over the
Gifts, following which the people say, Amen.

One of the following Eucharistic Prayers shall be used.

Eucharistic Prayer A
People We lift them up unto the Lord.
Celebrant Let us give thanks unto our Lord God.
People It is meet and right so to do.
Celebrant It is very meet, right, and our bounden duty, that
we should at all times, and in all places, give
thanks unto thee, O Lord, holy Father, almighty,
everlasting God, creator and preserver of all things.
Here follows one of the Proper Prefaces on pp. 252–255.
Celebrant Therefore with angels and archangels, and with all
the company of heaven, we laud and magnify thy
glorious name; evermore praising thee and saying:
All Holy, holy, holy, Lord God of Hosts,
heaven and earth are full of thy glory.
Glory be to thee, O Lord most high.
Blessed is he that cometh in the name of the Lord:
Celebrant Blessing and glory and thanksgiving be unto thee,
almighty God, our heavenly Father, who of thy
tender mercy didst give thine only Son Jesus Christ
to take our nature upon him, and to suffer death
upon the cross for our redemption; who made
there, by his one oblation of himself once offered, a
full, perfect, and sufficient sacrifice, oblation, and
satisfaction, for the sins of the whole world; and did
institute, and in his holy Gospel command us to
continue, a perpetual memorial of that his precious
death, until his coming again.

Hear us, O merciful Father, we most humbly
beseech thee; and grant that we receiving these thy
creatures of bread and wine, according to thy Son
our Saviour Jesus Christ’s holy institution, in
remembrance of his death and passion, may be
partakers of his most blessed body and blood;
who, in the same night that he was betrayed, took
bread; and, when he had given thanks, he brake it;
and gave it to his disciples, saying, “Take, eat; this
is my body which is given for you: Do this in
remembrance of me.”
Likewise after supper he took the cup; and when he
had given thanks, he gave it to them, saying,
“Drink ye all, of this; for this is my blood of the new
covenant, which is shed for you and for many for
the remission of sins: Do this, as oft as ye shall
drink it, in remembrance of me.”
Wherefore, O Father, Lord of heaven and earth, we
thy humble servants, with all thy holy Church,
remembering the precious death of thy beloved
Son, his mighty resurrection, and glorious
ascension, and looking for his coming again in
glory, do make before thee, in this sacrament of the
holy bread of eternal life and the cup of everlasting
salvation, the memorial which he hath commanded:
All We praise thee, we bless thee, we thank thee,
and we pray to thee, Lord our God.
Celebrant And we entirely desire thy fatherly goodness
mercifully to accept this our sacrifice of praise and
thanksgiving, most humbly beseeching thee to
grant, that by the merits and death of thy Son Jesus
Christ, and through faith in his blood, we and all
thy whole Church may obtain remission of our sins,
and all other benefits of his passion; And we pray
that by the power of thy Holy Spirit, all we who are

partakers of this holy communion may be fulfilled
with thy grace and heavenly benediction; through
Jesus Christ our Lord, by whom and with whom, in
the unity of the Holy Spirit, all honour and glory be
unto thee, O Father Almighty, world without end.
Amen.
Eucharistic Prayer B
People We lift them up unto the Lord.
Celebrant Let us give thanks unto our Lord God.
People It is meet and right so to do.
Celebrant It is very meet, right, and our bounden duty,
that we should at all times, and in all places, give
thanks unto thee, O Lord, holy Father, almighty,
everlasting God, creator and preserver of all things.
Here follows one of the Proper Prefaces on pp. 252–255.
Celebrant Therefore with angels and archangels, and with all
the company of heaven, we laud and magnify thy
glorious name; evermore praising thee and saying:
All Holy, holy, holy, Lord God of hosts,
heaven and earth are full of thy glory.
Glory be to thee, O Lord most high.
Blessed is he that cometh in the name of the Lord:

Celebrant All glory be to thee, O Lord our God, who didst
make us in thine own image; and, of thy tender
mercy, didst give thine only Son Jesus Christ to take
our nature upon him, and to suffer death upon the
cross for our redemption. He made there a full and
perfect sacrifice for the whole world; and did
institute, and in his holy Gospel command us to
continue, a perpetual memory of that his precious
death and sacrifice, until his coming again;
who, in the same night that he was betrayed, took
bread; and when he had given thanks to thee, he
broke it, and gave it to his disciples, saying, “Take,
eat, this is my body, which is given for you. Do this
in remembrance of me.”
Likewise, after supper, he took the cup; and when
he had given thanks, he gave it to them, saying,
“Drink this, all of you; for this is my blood of the new
covenant, which is shed for you, and for many, for
the remission of sins. Do this, as oft as ye shall
drink it, in remembrance of me.”
Wherefore, O Lord and heavenly Father, we thy
people do celebrate and make, with these thy holy
gifts which we now offer unto thee, the memorial
thy Son hath commanded us to make; having in
remembrance his blessed passion and precious
death, his mighty resurrection and glorious
ascension; and looking for his coming again with
power and great glory.
And we most humbly beseech thee, O merciful
Father, to hear us, and, with thy Word and Holy
Spirit, to bless and sanctify these gifts of bread and
wine, that they may be unto us the body and blood
of thy dearly-beloved Son Jesus Christ.
All We praise thee, we bless thee, we thank thee,
and we pray to thee, Lord our God.

Celebrant And we earnestly desire thy fatherly goodness to
accept this our sacrifice of praise and thanksgiving,
whereby we offer and present unto thee, O Lord,
ourselves, our souls and bodies. Grant, we beseech
thee, that all who partake of this holy communion
may worthily receive the most precious body and
blood of thy Son Jesus Christ, and be filled with thy
grace and heavenly benediction; and also that we
and all thy whole Church may be made one body
with him, that he may dwell in us, and we in him;
through the same Jesus Christ our Lord;
By whom, and with whom, and in whom, in the
unity of the Holy Spirit all honour and glory be unto
thee, O Father Almighty, world without end.
Amen.
The Lord’s Prayer

Celebrant And now, as our Saviour Christ hath taught us,
we are bold to say:
thy kingdom come,
thy will be done,
Silence

The Breaking of the Bread
Then the celebrant breaks the consecrated bread. Then may be said,
All We do not presume to come to this thy table, O
merciful Lord, Trusting in our own righteousness,
But in thy manifold and great mercies. We are not
worthy So much as to gather up the crumbs under
thy table. But thou art the same Lord, Whose
property is always to have mercy: Grant us
therefore, gracious Lord, So to eat the flesh of thy
dear Son Jesus Christ, And to drink his blood,
That we may evermore dwell in him, And he in us.
Amen.
The Communion
The celebrant and people receive the communion in both kinds. At the
distribution the minister says to each communicant,
The body of our Lord Jesus Christ, which was given
for thee (preserve thy body and soul unto
everlasting life: take and eat this in remembrance
that Christ died for thee, and feed on him in thy
heart by faith with thanksgiving).
The blood of our Lord Jesus Christ which was shed
for thee (preserve thy body and soul unto
everlasting life: drink this in remembrance that
Christ’s blood was shed for thee, and be thankful).
anthems such as the following may be sung or said.
Celebrant (Alleluia!) Christ our Passover is sacrificed for us;
People Therefore, let us keep the feast. (Alleluia!)

O Lamb of God, that takest away the sin of the
world: have mercy upon us.
world: have mercy upon us.
world: grant us thy peace.
At the conclusion of the communion, silence may be kept.

The celebrant may say the Prayer after Communion appointed for the day. At
the conclusion of the prayer the congregation says, Amen.
All whose power, working in us,
If Eucharistic Prayer A has been used, the following prayer may be said
instead of the Prayer after Communion and the doxology.
All Almighty and everliving God, We most heartily
thank thee That thou dost graciously feed us, in
these holy mysteries, With the spiritual food
of the most precious body and blood Of thy Son
our Saviour Jesus Christ; Assuring us thereby of
thy favour and goodness towards us; And that we
are living members of his mystical Body, Which is
the blessed company of all faithful people; And are
also heirs through hope of thy everlasting
kingdom.

And here we offer and present unto thee, O Lord,
Ourselves, our souls and bodies, To be a
reasonable, holy, and living sacrifice unto thee.
And although we are unworthy, Yet we beseech
thee to accept this our bounden duty and service,
Not weighing our merits, but pardoning our
offences; Through Jesus Christ our Lord, To
whom, with thee and the Holy Spirit, be all
honour and glory, World without end. Amen.
If Eucharistic Prayer B has been used, the following prayer may be said
instead of the Prayer after Communion and the doxology.
All We most heartily thank thee, almighty and
everliving God, That thou dost graciously feed us,
in these holy mysteries, With the spiritual food of
the most precious body and blood Of thy Son our
Saviour Jesus Christ; Assuring us thereby of thy
favour and goodness towards us; And that we are
living members of his mystical Body, Which is the
blessed company of all faithful people; And are
also heirs through hope of thy everlasting
kingdom.
And we humbly beseech thee, O heavenly Father,
So to assist us with thy grace, That we may
continue in that holy fellowship, And do all such
good works as thou hast prepared for us to walk in;
Through Jesus Christ our Lord, To whom, with
thee and the Holy Spirit, be all honour and glory,
World without end. Amen.
The celebrant may bless the people.
Celebrant The peace of God, which passeth all understanding,
keep your hearts and minds in the knowledge and
love of God, and of his Son Jesus Christ our Lord:
And the blessing of God almighty, the Father, the
Son, and the Holy Spirit be amongst you and
remain with you always. Amen.

The Dismissal
Then the deacon or the celebrant says,
Or the following:
Or the following:
Leader Go forth into the world,
Or the following:
Leader Let us bless the Lord.

The Decalogue
God spake these words and said: I am the Lord thy God who
brought thee out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of
bondage. Thou shalt have none other gods but me.
Lord, have mercy upon us,
and incline our hearts to keep this law.
Thou shalt not make to thyself any graven image, nor the
likeness of any thing that is in heaven above, or in the earth
beneath, or in the water under the earth; thou shalt not bow
down to them, nor worship them.
Thou shalt not take the name of the Lord thy God in vain.
Remember that thou keep holy the Sabbath day.
Honour thy father and thy mother.
Thou shalt do no murder.
Thou shalt not commit adultery.
Thou shalt not steal.

Thou shalt not bear false witness against thy neighbour.
Thou shalt not covet.
and write all these thy laws in our hearts,
we beseech thee.

I believe in God the Father almighty,
maker of heaven and earth:
And in Jesus Christ his only Son our Lord,
who was conceived by the Holy Ghost,
born of the Virgin Mary,
suffered under Pontius Pilate,
was crucified, dead, and buried;
he descended into hell;
the third day he rose again from the dead;
he ascended into heaven,
and sitteth on the right hand of God the Father almighty;
from thence he shall come to judge the quick and the dead.
I believe in the Holy Ghost;
the holy catholic Church;
the communion of saints;
the forgiveness of sins;

Proper Prefaces
Prefaces for the Lord’s Day
To be used on Sundays for which no other provision is made, but not on the
succeeding weekdays.
1
For thou art the fountain of light and life for all thy creation:
thou hast made us in thine own image, and dost raise us to
new life in Jesus Christ our Saviour. Therefore with angels . . .
etc.
2
Through Jesus Christ our Lord; who on this first day of the
week overcame death and the grave, and by his glorious
resurrection opened to us the way of everlasting life. Therefore
with angels . . . etc.
3
Who by water and the Holy Spirit hast made us a holy people
in Jesus Christ our Lord; thou dost renew that mystery in bread
and wine and nourish us, to show forth thy glory in all the
world. Therefore with angels . . . etc.
For weekdays when no other provision is made.
Who hast gathered us together in this eucharistic feast that we
may be renewed in love, joy, and peace. Therefore with angels
. . . etc.
Advent
Through Jesus Christ our Lord, who in the fullness of time
came among us in our flesh and opened to us the way of
salvation. Now we watch for the day when he will come again
in power and great triumph to judge this world; that we,
without shame or fear, may rejoice to behold his appearing.
Therefore with angels . . . etc.

Christmas
Because thou didst give Jesus Christ thine only Son to be born
as at this time for us; who, by the operation of the Holy Spirit,
was made very man of the substance of the Virgin Mary his
mother; and that without spot of sin, to make us clean from all
sin. Therefore with angels . . . etc.
Incarnation
Because in the mystery of the Word made flesh, thou hast
caused a new light to shine in our hearts, to give the
knowledge of thy glory, in the face of thy Son Jesus Christ our
Lord. Therefore with angels . . . etc.
Epiphany
Through Jesus Christ our Lord, who, in substance of our
mortal flesh, manifested forth his glory, that he might bring us
out of darkness into his own marvellous light. Therefore with
angels . . . etc.
Lent
Who hast bidden us thy faithful people to cleanse our hearts
and to prepare with joy for the paschal feast; that reborn
through the waters of baptism, and renewed in the eucharistic
mystery, we may be more fervent in prayer and more generous
in works of love. Therefore with angels . . . etc.
Holy Week
For the redemption of the world by the death and passion of
our Saviour Christ, both God and Man; who did humble
himself, even to the death upon the Cross for us sinners, who
lay in darkness and the shadow of death; that he might make
us the children of God, and exalt us to everlasting life.
Therefore with angels . . . etc.

Easter
But chiefly are we bound to praise thee for the glorious
resurrection of thy Son Jesus Christ our Lord; for he is the very
Paschal Lamb, which was offered for us, and hath taken away
the sin of the world; who by his death hath destroyed death,
and by his rising to life again hath restored to us everlasting
life. Therefore with angels . . . etc.
Ascension
Through thy most dearly beloved Son Jesus Christ our Lord;
who after his most glorious resurrection manifestly appeared to
all his apostles, and in their sight ascended up into heaven to
prepare a place for us; that where he is, thither we might also
ascend, and reign with him in glory. Therefore with angels . . .
etc.
Pentecost
Through Jesus Christ our Lord, according to whose most true
promise thou dost pour forth thy Spirit upon us, filling us with
gifts and leading us into all truth: who dost give us power to
proclaim the gospel to all nations and to serve thee as a royal
priesthood. Therefore with angels . . . etc.
Trinity Sunday
For with thy co-eternal Son and Holy Spirit, thou art one God,
one Lord, in trinity of persons and in unity of substance; and
we celebrate the one and equal glory of thee, O Father, and of
the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Therefore with angels . . . etc.
Last Sunday after Pentecost: The Reign of Christ

Through Jesus Christ our Lord; whom thou didst exalt as Lord
of all creation, that he might present unto thee an eternal and
universal kingdom: a kingdom of holiness and grace, a
kingdom of justice, love and peace: that at the name of Jesus
every knee should bow. Therefore with angels . . . etc.

All Saints and other Saints Days
Who in the multitude of thy saints hast compassed us about
with so great a cloud of witnesses, that we, rejoicing in their
fellowship, may run with patience the race that is set before us,
and together with them may receive the crown of glory that
fadeth not away. Therefore with angels . . . etc.
Marriage
Because thou dost unite husband and wife in a solemn
covenant of love, as a witness of the bond and covenant
between Christ and his Church. Therefore with angels . . . etc.
Commemoration of the Dead

Through Jesus Christ our Lord; who rose victorious from the
dead, and doth comfort us with the hope of resurrection and
the promise of eternal life. Therefore with angels . . . etc.

Communion under Special Circumstances
This rite is intended not only for use with the sick (cf. The Ministry to
the Sick p. 553), but also for those who because of work schedules or
physical or other types of limitations cannot be present at a public
celebration of the eucharist.
Justin Martyr, in one of the earliest existing accounts of the Sunday
eucharist, tells us that deacons left after the celebration to bring
communion to the sick, to the imprisoned, and to those who for any
reason were unable to be present at the community eucharist.
Cyprian, a century later, tells us it was the custom for each member of
the community to take home some of the consecrated bread so that
each day could begin with communion. Regular reception of the
eucharist was a primary sign of the communicant’s desire to remain
within the Body.
When a member of the community cannot be present at the
community eucharist but wishes to receive communion, it is desirable
that members of the community bring the consecrated elements to
that person immediately upon completion of the Sunday celebration.
The continuity between communion and community celebration is
thus made clear. When this is not possible communion could either be
brought from a weekday celebration or from the reserved sacrament.
If a person is unable to attend a public celebration of the eucharist for
an extended period of time, it is appropriate that the eucharist be
celebrated with them, members of their family, the parish
community, and friends, if possible. The sign of the eucharist as an
extension of the parish celebration, rather than as a private event,
thus becomes clearer. In these cases it would be appropriate to
involve others in the readings and prayers, using the proper of the
day or other appropriate material.
256 Special Communion

Communion under
Special Circumstances
For those not present at the celebration
This service may be conducted by a priest, or by a deacon or lay person

authorized by the diocesan bishop.
This form is intended for use with those who for reasonable cause cannot be
present at a public celebration of the eucharist.
When persons are unable to be present for extended periods, it is desirable
that the priest arrange to celebrate the eucharist with them from time to time
on a regular basis, using the Proper of the Day. At other times, or when
desired, such persons may receive communion brought to them from a
celebration of the eucharist, or from the reserved sacrament, using the
following form. It is desirable that fellow parishioners, relatives, and friends
be present, when possible, to communicate with them.
The minister conducting the service greets those present in these or similar
words.
Brothers and sisters in Christ,
God calls us to faithful service
by the proclamation of the word,
and sustains us with the sacrament
of the body and blood of Christ.
Hear now God’s word,
and receive this holy food from the Lord’s table.
A passage of scripture appropriate to the day or occasion, or one of the
following passages is read.
God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, that whoever
believes in him should not perish, but have eternal life.
John 3.16
Jesus said, “I am the bread of life; whoever comes to me shall
not hunger, and whoever believes in me shall never thirst.”
John 6.35
Special Communion 257

Jesus said, “I am the living bread which came down from
heaven; if anyone eats of this bread, he will live for ever; and
the bread which I shall give for the life of the world is my flesh.
For my flesh is food indeed, and my blood is drink indeed.
Whoever eats my flesh and drinks my blood abides in me, and I
in him.” John 6.51, 55–56
Jesus said, “Abide in me, as I in you. As the branch cannot bear
fruit by itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you,
unless you abide in me. I am the vine, you are the branches. By
this my Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit, and so
prove to be my disciples. As the Father has loved me, so have I
loved you; abide in my love.” John 15.4-5a, 8–9
After the reading, the minister may comment on it briefly. Suitable prayers
may be offered.
A confession of sin may follow. The following or some other form is used.
Minister Most merciful God,
All we confess that we have sinned against you
A priest says,
People Amen.

A deacon or lay person using the preceeding form substitutes us for you and
our for your.
The Peace may then be exchanged. The Lord’s Prayer is said.
Minister As our Saviour taught us, let us pray,
your kingdom come,
your will be done,
Forgive us our sins
Or
Minister And now, as our Saviour Christ has taught us,
we are bold to say,
thy kingdom come,
thy will be done,
Special Communion 259

The minister may say the following invitation.
The sacrament is given with the following words.
The following doxology may be said.

Minister Glory to God,
People whose power, working in us,
A priest may bless those present. The service concludes with a dismissal.
Minister Let us bless the Lord.

The Proper of the
Church Year
The Proper of the Church Year
The systematic reading of Holy Scripture in accordance with a fixed
calendar is very ancient. Some biblical scholars believe they can
discern in the pattern of parts of the New Testament the structure of
an older Jewish lectionary.
Different lectionaries, supplying readings for both eucharistic
celebrations and the daily offices, evolved in the varied liturgical
traditions of Christianity. Some churches had several readings at the
eucharist, including one or more from the Old Testament; others
chose to have two New Testament readings and to confine the Old
Testament to the offices. Some lectionaries attempted to foster
continuous reading of the Bible; others presented the biblical material
thematically.
The churches of the Anglican communion inherited the Western
(Roman) scheme of eucharistic readings Epistle and Gospel lections
for each Sunday and festival. While these lections show signs of
having begun as a system of continuous reading, it is apparent that
this was overlaid in the course of time by a more arbitrary approach to
selection, based not only on the themes of the day or season, but even
on the themes of nearby festivals of local import. There is, in addition,
speculation that some of the Epistles and Gospels in the post-Trinity
season were, at some ancient date, dislocated from their original order
and consequently from any hope of thematic unity with each other or
the Collect of the Day. It is difficult not to conclude that this scheme of
readings, with its scanty use of the Old Testament and
unrepresentative approach to the New Testament, provided a limited
base for education in the Bible.
Fortunately for Anglicans, Archbishop Cranmer addressed himself
vigorously to a reform of the lectionary used at the daily offices of
Morning and Evening Prayer. He devised a scheme of continuous
reading of the Bible with little interruption by festivals, consisting of
four lessons a day, each of them usually a chapter in length, two from
the Old Testament, and one each from the Gospels and the Epistles.
Since the offices became the most frequently attended services on
Sundays for a long period in Anglican history, the shortcomings of
the eucharistic readings were mitigated. Cranmer’s lectionary, with
262 The Proper

few revisions, remained in force in England until 1869. Since that date
a large number of revisions has appeared in the various Anglican
churches.
Lectionary revision took a new direction in the middle of the
twentieth century with the realization that ecumenical agreement on
common patterns would not only foster Christian unity but also
would add to the richness of Christian experience, both through
cooperation itself and through the use of common commentaries and
other aids. The lectionary adopted by the Roman Catholic Church
after the Second Vatican Council became the basis of this ecumenical
cooperation. A process of experimentation, criticism, and revision has
produced a situation in which a number of denominations now use
lectionaries which are similar, but not identical. Agreement will
eventually be reached only by continued commitment to ongoing use
and revision, a process managed and facilitated by the ecumenical
Consultation on Common Texts.
In 1980 the General Synod of the Anglican Church of Canada adopted
the ecumenical lectionary at the point in the process of revision which
had been reached at that time. Since then the Consultation on
Common Texts has issued an amended edition for experimental use
beginning in 1983, with a view to a final revision around the end of
the decade (Common Lectionary, The Church Hymnal Corporation,
New York). This experimental version constitutes the system of
readings which follows.
The revision process which began in the mid-twentieth century was
accompanied by a major shift in the conception of the role of
lectionaries. The choice of lectionary was once dictated by the type of
liturgical celebration: one lectionary was restricted to the eucharist,
another to the offices. Now, in a number of denominations, a
lectionary is intended to provide the readings for the principal acts of
worship without reference to the particular form of worship involved.
Thus in Anglican congregations where both Morning Prayer and the
Holy Eucharist are celebrated as principal acts of worship on different
Sundays each month, the alternation of two quite unrelated
lectionaries is now to be replaced by a single coherent system of
readings intended to engage the People of God with the deepest roots
of their tradition.
The Proper 263

Several other liturgical elements proper to the Sundays and holy days
of the Church Year have been interpolated into the Lectionary:
Sentences, which may be recited at the beginning of Morning and
Evening Prayer, or sung with Alleluia before the Gospel;
Collects, which are recited at the end of the Gathering of the
Community in the eucharist, and may be recited at the end of the
Intercessions in Morning and Evening Prayer;
Prayers over the Gifts, which may be recited at the conclusion of the
Preparation of the Gifts in the eucharist;
a designation of the Preface proper to the day;
Prayers after Communion, which may be recited after the people
have received communion in the eucharist.
This lectionary is intended to provide the primary structure for the
proclamation of the word in the Anglican Church of Canada. General
Synod, 1980, in approving an earlier edition of this lectionary,
requested that “every diocese and parish, including those which in
other respects substantially follow the Book of Common Prayer, give
thoughtful consideration to the possibility of using this lectionary as a
symbol and expression of unity in our Church and with many other
Christians.”
In addition to the Lectionary, three other guides to the liturgical
reading of Holy Scripture are provided:
The Daily Office Lectionary, which may be used at Morning and
Evening Prayer on weekdays (and on Sundays by those who have
attended or will attend a celebration of the eucharist at which
lections from the Lectionary are used), and at celebrations of the
eucharist on weekdays for which no readings are provided in the
Lectionary;
a weekday cycle of readings suitable for use at the offices or the
eucharist on days for which no readings are provided in the
Lectionary;
a short list of psalms and readings for use as required, e.g., at
offices on days when the Daily Office Lectionary has been used at
the eucharist, in time of haste, etc.
264 The Proper

These resources must be used with a creative imagination sensitive to
the needs of the congregation or individual involved. Clearly,
lectionaries may fill several different functions, and sometimes more
than one function for the same people. There remains a tension
between thematic presentations of biblical material and continuous
reading; modern lectionaries tend to hold this tension in balance.
Modern lectionaries intended for use at the daily offices provide
shorter and fewer readings than their predecessors, chiefly because of
a growing conviction among liturgists that the purpose of the readings
is not only exposure to scripture but also opportunity for reflection,
and three pericopes each day are all most active people are likely to be
able to deal with. On the other hand, modern lectionaries intended
for use at the eucharist provide more readings than Western
Christians have been familiar with, restoring the Old Testament to its
proper place in regular use and spreading a much larger body of
biblical material over a three-year period.
The Proper 265

Concerning the Lectionary for Sundays and Holy Days
The Lectionary for Sundays and holy days is arranged in a three-year cycle.
Year A always begins on the First Sunday of Advent in those years evenly
divisible by three (1986, 1989, etc.).
Readings are cited according to the versification of the Revised Standard
Version translation. Versifications vary to some extent among translations
and should be checked against the RSV.
Since all the readings are excerpted portions, the literal text may have to be
adapted in order to preserve sense and maintain the continuity of the text. At
the beginning of a reading, nouns should be substituted for pronouns (“Jesus
said” for “he said”), phrases may be used instead of subordinate conjunctions
(“At that time” for “then” or “when”), and co-ordinate conjunctions may be
omitted (“for,” “and,” “but”). Some phrases in the text may have to be
omitted, and others included, in order to begin or link certain passages
sensibly. The proper sentence may also be adapted by the addition of an
introduction as appropriate, eg., “Jesus said . . .”
Any reading may be lengthened at discretion, e.g., to set a passage in context
or because a following passage will be displaced by a festival on the next
Sunday. Some suggested lengthenings are shown in parentheses.
The Lectionary designates a psalm for every Sunday and holy day. A refrain is
provided for responsorial recitation of the psalm, e.g., when the text of the
psalm is said or sung by one voice or group of voices, and the congregation
responds with the refrain at suitable intervals. Other suitable refrains may be
chosen for good reason. In addition to the refrains suggested in connection
with each psalm, eight common refrains and an alternative verse of the psalm
are also indicated. The common refrains are
CR 1 Give thanks to the Lord for he is good.
CR 2 We thank you, Lord, for your works are wonderful.
CR 3 Sing to the Lord a new song.
CR 4 The Lord is close to all who call him.
CR 5 Incline your ear, O Lord, and save us.
CR 6 The Lord is kind and merciful.
CR 7 Behold I come to do your will, O God.
CR 8 Remember, O Lord, your faithfulness and love.
Those using refrains will have to select suitable stanza groupings.
266 Sundays and Holy Days

Psalms may be shortened as appropriate to the liturgical context. When only a
portion of a psalm is designated, more or all of the psalm may be recited. For
traditional reasons, a longer psalm may be desired at Morning Prayer and
Evening Prayer, and a shorter psalm at the eucharist.
The Lectionary suggests common readings for saints’ days, from which
appropriate selections may be made.
Years are designated by letter. When no letters appear, the material is
intended for all three years.
Sundays and Holy Days 267

Sundays and Holy Days
First Sunday of Advent
Sentence
Look up and raise your heads, because your redemption is
drawing near. Luke 21.28
Collect
Almighty God,
give us grace to cast away the works of darkness
and put on the armour of light,
now in the time of this mortal life
in which your Son Jesus Christ
came to us in great humility,
that on the last day,
when he shall come again in his glorious majesty
to judge both the living and the dead,
we may rise to the life immortal;
through him who lives and reigns
with you and the Holy Spirit,
one God, now and for ever.
Readings
A Isaiah 2.1–5 Psalm 122
Refrain I was glad when they said to me, “Let us go to the house of the
Lord.” Or v.7 or CR 1
Romans 13.11–14 Matthew 24.36–44
B Isaiah 64.1–9 Psalm 80.1–7, 16–18

Refrain Show the light of your countenance, and we shall be saved.
Or v.3 or CR 8
1 Corinthians 1.3–9 Mark 13.24–37
C Jeremiah 33.14–16 Psalm 25.1–9

Refrain To you, O Lord, I lift up my soul. Or v.1 or CR 5
1 Thessalonians 3.9–13 Luke 21.25–36
268 Advent
Prayer over the Gifts
God of love and power,
your word stirs within us
the expectation of the coming of your Son.
Accept all we offer you this day,
and sustain us with your promise of eternal life.
We ask this in the name of Jesus Christ our Lord.
Preface of Advent
God for whom we wait,
you have fed us with the bread of eternal life.
Keep us ever watchful,
that we may be ready to stand before the Son of man.
We ask this in the name of Christ the Lord.
Second Sunday of Advent

Sentence
Prepare the way of the Lord, make his paths straight.
All flesh shall see the salvation of God Luke 3.4, 6
Collect
Almighty God,
who sent your servant John the Baptist
to prepare your people to welcome the Messiah,
inspire us, the ministers and stewards of your truth,
to turn our disobedient hearts to you,
that when the Christ shall come again to be our judge,
we may stand with confidence before his glory;
who is alive and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit,
Readings
A Isaiah 11.1–10 Psalm 72.1–7, 18–19
Refrain In his time shall peace and justice flourish.
Or v.7 or CR 3
Christmas 269
B Isaiah 40.1–11 Psalm 85.1–2, 8–13
Refrain Show us your mercy, O Lord. Or v.7 or CR 4
2 Peter 3.8–15a Mark 1.1–8
C Baruch 5.1–9 or Malachi 3.1–4 Canticle 19 (Luke 1.68–79)

Refrain The Lord has done great things for us. Or v.4 or CR 1
Philippians 1.3–11 Luke 3.1–6

God our strength,
we are nothing without you.
Receive all we offer you this day
as you sustain us with your mercy;
in the name of Jesus Christ our Lord.
Preface of Advent
Faithful God,
we thank you for feeding us with this heavenly banquet.
Help us always to hear the prophet’s call
to turn our hearts to you;
in the name of Jesus Christ the Lord.
Third Sunday of Advent

Sentence
The Spirit of the Lord God is upon me, because the Lord has
anointed me to bring good tidings to the afflicted. Isaiah 61.1
Collect
God of power and mercy,
you call us once again
to celebrate the coming of your Son.
Remove those things which hinder love of you,
that when he comes,
he may find us waiting in awe and wonder
for him who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit,
270 Advent
Readings
A Isaiah 35.1–10 Psalm 146.4–9 or Canticle 18 (Luke 1.47–55)
Refrain Come, O Lord, and save us. Or v.9 or Alleluia!
James 5.7–10 Matthew 11.2–11
B Isaiah 61.1–4, 8–11 Psalm 126 or Canticle 18 (Luke 1.47–55)

Refrain My spirit rejoices in God my Saviour. Or v.1 or CR 1
1 Thessalonians 5.16–24 John 1.6–8, 19–28
C Zephaniah 3.14–20 Canticle 3 (Isaiah 12.2–6)

Refrain Ring out your joy, for the Holy One of Israel is in your midst.
Or v.7 or CR 1
Philippians 4.4–7 Luke 3.7–18

God of hope,
renew in us the joy of your salvation
and make us a living sacrifice to you,
for the sake of Jesus Christ our Lord.
Preface of Advent
Merciful God,
may this eucharist free us from our sins,
fill us with unending joy,
and prepare us for the birthday of our Saviour.
We ask this in the name of Jesus Christ,
who is Lord now and for ever.
Fourth Sunday of Advent

Sentence
A A virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and his name shall
be called Emmanuel: God with us. Matthew 1.23
BC I am the servant of the Lord; let it be to me according to
his word. Luke 1.38
Christmas 271
Collect
Heavenly Father,
who chose the Virgin Mary, full of grace,
to be the mother of our Lord and Saviour,
now fill us with your grace,
that we in all things may embrace your will
and with her rejoice in your salvation;
Readings
A Isaiah 7.10–16 Psalm 80.1–7, 16–18
Refrain Let the King of glory enter. Or v.7 or CR 4
B 2 Samuel 7.1–11, 16 Canticle 18 (Luke 1.47–55) or Psalm 89.1–4, 19–26

Refrain I will keep my love for him for ever. Or v.28 or CR 8
Romans 16.25–27 Luke 1.26–38
C Micah 5.2–5a Canticle 18 (Luke 1.47–55) or Psalm 80.1–7

Refrain Show the light of your countenance, and we shall be saved.
Or v.3 or CR 8
Hebrews 10.5–10 Luke 1.39–45, (46–55)

Gracious God,
by the power of the Spirit
who sanctified the mother of your Son,
make holy all we offer you this day.
We ask this in the name of Jesus Christ the Lord.
Preface of Advent
Faithful God,
in this sacrament we receive the promise of salvation.
May we, like the Virgin Mary,
be obedient to your will.
272 Advent
Christmas—at Midnight
Sentence
I bring you good news of a great joy which will come to all the
people; for to you is born this day a Saviour, Christ the Lord.
Luke 2.10–11
Collect
Eternal God,
this holy night is radiant
with the brilliance of your one true light.
As we have known
the revelation of that light on earth,
bring us to see the splendour of your heavenly glory;
Readings
Isaiah 9.2–7 Psalm 96
Refrain All the ends of the earth have seen the salvation of our God.
Or v.2 or CR 3
Titus 2.11–14 Luke 2.1–14, (15–20)
Optional readings
Refrain As above Or v.11 or CR 3
Titus 3.4–7 Luke 2.(1–7), 8–20
Or Isaiah 52.7–10 Psalm 98

Refrain As above Or v.5 or CR 3
Hebrews 1.1–4, (5–12) John 1.1–14

Source of light and gladness,
accept all we offer on this joyful feast.
May we grow up in him who unites our lives to yours;
for he is Lord now and for ever.
Christmas 273
Preface of Christmas
Father of all,
tonight you have united earth and heaven
in sending your Son to take our human nature.
May we who have tasted heavenly things
share in the life of his eternal kingdom.
Christmas—in the Early Morning

Sentence
Luke 2.10–11
Collect
O God our Father,
whose Word has come among us
in the Holy Child of Bethlehem,
may the light of faith
illumine our hearts
and shine in our words and deeds;
through him who is Christ our Lord,
Readings
As above
Generous Creator,
in faith and joy
we celebrate the birth of your Son.
Increase our understanding and our love
of the riches you have revealed in him,
who is Lord now and for ever.
274 Christmas
Source of truth and joy,
may we who have received the gift of divine life
always follow the way of your Son.
This we ask in the name of Jesus Christ the Lord.
Christmas—during the Day

Sentence
Luke 2.10–11
Collect
Almighty God,
you wonderfully created
and yet more wonderfully restored our human nature.
May we share the divine life of your Son Jesus Christ,
who humbled himself to share our humanity,
and now lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit,
Readings
As above
God of peace,
your Son Jesus Christ has reconciled us to you.
May all we offer you today
renew us as members of your household.
We ask this in his name.
Christmas 275
Father of all,
the child born for us is the Saviour of the world.
May he who made us your children
welcome us into your kingdom,
where he is alive and reigns with you now and for ever.
First Sunday after Christmas

This Sunday takes precedence over any of the three holy days which follow
Christmas Day. When there is a conflict the holy day is transferred to 29
December or to the alternative day provided for its observance in the
Calendar. If there is only one Sunday between Christmas and the Epiphany,
the propers of the Epiphany may be used instead.
Sentence
Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts; let the word of
Christ dwell in you richly. Colossians 3.15, 16
Collect
Almighty God,
you have shed upon us the new light
of your incarnate Word.
May this light, enkindled in our hearts,
shine forth in our lives;
who lives and reigns with you,
Readings
Refrain God sent redemption to his people. Or v.9 or Alleluia!
Hebrews 2.10–18 Matthew 2.13–23
B Isaiah 61.10—62.3 Psalm 148

Refrain As Year A
Galatians 4.4–7 Luke 2.22–40
276 After Christmas

C 1 Samuel 2.18–20, 26 Psalm 148
Refrain As Year A
Colossians 3.12–17 Luke 2.41–52

God of light,
in the birth of your Son we see your glory.
May we who share in this mystery
grow daily in your love.
Source of truth and joy,
may we who have received the gift of divine life
always follow the way of your Son.
The Naming of Jesus 1 January

When 1 January is a Sunday these propers will be used instead of those for the
First Sunday after Christmas, or those of the Epiphany may be used.
Sentence
God spoke of old by the prophets; but in these last days he has
spoken to us by a Son. Hebrews 1.1–2
Collect
Eternal Father,
we give thanks for your incarnate Son,
whose name is our salvation.
Plant in every heart, we pray,
the love of him who is the Saviour of the world,
our Lord Jesus Christ;
one God, in glory everlasting.
Naming of Jesus 277

Readings
Numbers 6.22–27 Psalm 8
Refrain May God give us his blessing. Or v.1 or CR 4
Galatians 4.4–7 or Philippians 2.5–11 Luke 2.15–21

Gracious God,
the name of Jesus brings salvation to the world.
In all we offer you this day,
may we honour him,
Father,
you have fed us heavenly food
in the sacrament of the body and blood of Christ.
Grant that we, sharing in this mystery,
may turn always to that name which is above all others,
Jesus Christ our Lord.
Second Sunday of Christmas

The readings and prayers for the Epiphany (6 January) may be read on the
Sunday before the Epiphany instead of the readings and prayers assigned for
that day.
Sentence
Glory to Christ who is preached among the nations, and
believed on in the world. See 1 Timothy 3.16
Collect
God of power and life,
the glory of all who believe in you,
fill the world with your splendour
and show the nations the light of your truth;
278 After Christmas

through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord,
Readings
Jeremiah 31. 7–14 or Sirach 24. 1–12
Psalm 147.13–21 or Canticle 11 (Wisdom of Solomon 10.15–21)
Refrain Praise God, O Zion. Or v.13 or Alleluia!
Ephesians 1. 3–14 John 1. (1–9), 10–18

Source of love and life,
receive all we offer you this day,
and through the coming of your Son,
help us to see in others
him who is alive and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit,
Light eternal,
you have nourished us in the mystery
of the body and blood of your Son.
By your grace keep us ever faithful to your word,
The Epiphany 6 January

When 6 January is a Sunday these propers will be used instead of those for the
Second Sunday after Christmas.
Sentence
We have seen his star in the East, and have come to worship
him Matthew 2.2
Epiphany 279
Collect
Eternal God,
who by a star
led wise men to the worship of your Son.
Guide by your light the nations of the earth,
that the whole world may know your glory;
Readings
Isaiah 60.1–6 Psalm 72.1–7, 10–14
Refrain All nations shall serve him. Or v.11 or CR 1
Ephesians 3.1–12 Matthew 2.1–12

Gracious God,
accept the offering of your Church,
the hearts of your people
joined in praise and thanksgiving,
Preface of the Epiphany
God of all the nations of the earth,
guide us with your light.
Help us to recognize Christ as he comes to us
in this eucharist and in our neighbours.
May we welcome him with love,
The proper readings for the Last Sunday after Epiphany may be found
on p. 397, and the proper prayers on p. 418 under the Transfiguration
of the Lord.
Propers for the Sundays after the Epiphany may be found with other ferial
propers, in numerical order, beginning on p. 348.
280 Epiphany
Ash Wednesday
On this day the liturgy begins as follows:
The community prays in silence; then follows the Collect of the Day.
you despise nothing you have made
and forgive the sins of all who are penitent.
Create and make in us new and contrite hearts,
that we, worthily lamenting our sins
and acknowledging our brokenness,
may obtain of you, the God of all mercy,
perfect remission and forgiveness;
one God, for ever and ever.
Readings
Joel 2.1–2, 12–17 or Isaiah 58.1–12 Psalm 103.8–18
Refrain The Lord remembers that we are but dust. Or CR 8
2 Corinthians 5.20b—6.10 Matthew 6.1–6, 16–21
A sermon may be preached. After the sermon all stand, and the celebrant
or minister addresses the congregation, saying,
every year at the time of the Christian Passover
we celebrate our redemption
through the death and resurrection
of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Lent is a time to prepare for this celebration
and to renew our life in the paschal mystery.
We begin this holy season
by remembering our need for repentance,
and for the mercy and forgiveness
proclaimed in the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
Ash Wednesday 281

If ashes are used, the following may be said.
We begin our journey to Easter with the sign of ashes,
an ancient sign,
speaking of the frailty and uncertainty of human life,
and marking the penitence of the community as a whole.
The celebrant continues,
I invite you therefore, in the name of the Lord,
to observe a holy Lent
by self-examination, penitence, prayer,
fasting, and almsgiving,
and by reading and meditating on the word of God.
Let us kneel before our Creator and Redeemer.
Silence is then kept for reflection.

Psalm 51.1–18 is sung or said.
Refrain Create in me a clean heart, O God.
Have mercy on me, O God, according to your
loving kindness; *
in your great compassion blot out my offences.
Wash me through and through from my wickedness *
For I know my transgressions, *
and my sin is ever before me.
Against you only have I sinned *
and done what is evil in your sight.
And so you are justified when you speak *
and upright in your judgement.
Indeed, I have been wicked from my birth, *
a sinner from my mother’s womb.
For behold, you look for truth deep within me, *
and will make me understand wisdom secretly.
Purge me from my sin, and I shall be pure; *
wash me, and I shall be clean indeed.
282 Ash Wednesday

Make me hear of joy and gladness, *
that the body you have broken may rejoice.
Hide your face from my sins *
and blot out all my iniquities.
Create in me a clean heart, O God, *
Cast me not away from your presence *
and take not your Holy Spirit from me.
Give me the joy of your saving help again *
I shall teach your ways to the wicked, *
and sinners shall return to you.
Deliver me from death, O God, *
and my tongue shall sing of your righteousness,
O God of my salvation.
Open my lips, O Lord, *
Had you desired it, I would have offered sacrifice, *
but you take no delight in burnt-offerings.
The sacrifice of God is a troubled spirit; *
a broken and contrite heart, O God, you will not despise.
Litany of Penitence
The celebrant and people say together,
Most holy and merciful Father,
we confess to you, to one another,
and to the whole communion of saints
in heaven and on earth,
that we have sinned by our own fault
in thought, word, and deed;
Ash Wednesday 283

We have not loved you with our whole heart, and mind, and
strength. We have not loved our neighbours as ourselves. We
have not forgiven others, as we have been forgiven.
Have mercy on us, Lord.
We have been deaf to your call to serve as Christ served us.
We have not been true to the mind of Christ. We have grieved
your Holy Spirit.
Have mercy on us, Lord.
We confess to you, Lord, all our past unfaithfulness: the pride,
hypocrisy, and impatience of our lives,
We confess to you, Lord.
Our self-indulgent appetites and ways, and our exploitation of
other people,
Our anger at our own frustration, and our envy of those more
fortunate than ourselves,
Our intemperate love of worldly goods and comforts, and our
dishonesty in daily life and work,
Our negligence in prayer and worship, and our failure to
commend the faith that is in us,
Accept our repentance, Lord, for the wrongs we have done: for
our blindness to human need and suffering, and our
indifference to injustice and cruelty,
Accept our repentance, Lord.
For all false judgements, for uncharitable thoughts toward our
neighbours, and for our prejudice and contempt toward those
who differ from us,
284 Ash Wednesday

For our waste and pollution of your creation, and our lack of
concern for those who come after us,
Restore us, good Lord, and let your anger depart from us;
Hear us, Lord, for your mercy is great.
If ashes are to be imposed, the celebrant may say the following prayer.
Almighty God,
from the dust of the earth you have created us.
May these ashes be for us a sign
of our mortality and penitence,
and a reminder that only by your gracious gift
are we given eternal life;
through Jesus Christ our Saviour. Amen.
Those who desire to receive ashes come forward, and the ashes are applied to
the forehead of each person with the following words.
Remember you are dust, and to dust you shall return.
After all who desire ashes have received them, the celebrant leads the
congregation in the conclusion of the confession, all kneeling.
Accomplish in us, O God,
the work of your salvation,
People That we may show forth your glory
in the world.
Celebrant By the cross and passion of your Son, our Lord,
People Bring us with all your saints
to the joy of his resurrection.
The bishop, if present, or the priest stands and, facing the people, says,
Almighty God have mercy on you,
forgive you all your sins
through our Lord Jesus Christ,
strengthen you in all goodness,
and by the power of the Holy Spirit
keep you in eternal life. Amen.
Ash Wednesday 285

In the absence of a bishop or priest, a deacon or lay person leading the service
remains kneeling and substitutes us for you and our for your.
The Peace is exchanged. When the eucharist follows, the service continues
with the offertory.

Merciful God,
turn us from sin to faithfulness.
Accept our offering,
and prepare us to celebrate
the death and resurrection of Christ our Saviour,
who is alive and reigns with you now and for ever.
Preface of Lent
God of compassion,
through your Son Jesus Christ
you reconciled your people to yourself.
Following his example of prayer and fasting,
may we obey you with willing hearts
and serve one another in holy love;
At services at which a Sentence is required, the following may be used.
If today you hear his voice, harden not your hearts.
Psalm 95.7–8
First Sunday in Lent

Sentence
We shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that
proceeds from the mouth of God. Matthew 4.4
Collect
Almighty God,
whose Son fasted forty days in the wilderness,
and was tempted as we are but did not sin,
286 Lent
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;
Readings
A Genesis 2.15–17, 3.1–7 Psalm 32
Refrain The Lord shall redeem us from all our sins.
Or v.7 or CR 5
B Genesis 9.8–17 Psalm 25.1–9

Refrain The paths of the Lord are love and faithfulness to those who
keep his covenant. Or v.9 or CR 1
1 Peter 3.18–22 Mark 1.9–15
C Deuteronomy 26.1–11 Psalm 91.1–2, 9–16

Refrain He shall give his angels charge over you.
Or v.16 or CR 1
Romans 10.8b–13 Luke 4.1–13

God our refuge and our strength,
and through the death and resurrection of your Son
transform us to his likeness.
Preface of Lent
Faithful God,
in this holy bread
you increase our faith and hope and love.
Lead us in the path of Christ
who is your Word of life.
Lent 287
Second Sunday in Lent
Sentence
A The Son of man must be lifted up, that whoever believes
in him may have eternal life. John 3.14–15
B I do not glory except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ,
by which the world has been crucified to me, and I to the
world. Galatians 6.14
C If you hear his voice, harden not your hearts.
Psalm 95.7–8
When the alternative Gospels are read:
This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased;
listen to him. Matthew 17.5
Collect
Almighty God,
whose Son was revealed in majesty
before he suffered death upon the cross,
give us faith to perceive his glory,
that being strengthened by his grace
we may be changed into his likeness, from glory to glory;
Readings
A Genesis 12.1–4a Psalm 121
Refrain Let your loving-kindness be upon us, O Lord.
Or v.22 or CR 4
Romans 4.1–5, 13–17 John 3.1–17 or Matthew 17.1–9
B Genesis 17.1–7, 15–16 Psalm 22.22–30

Refrain The Lord has always been mindful of his covenant.
Or v.8 or CR 6
Romans 4.13–25 Mark 8.31–38 or Mark 9.2–9
288 Lent
C Genesis 15.1–12, 17–18 Psalm 27
Refrain Happy are they who fear the Lord. Or v.1 or CR 1
Philippians 3.17—4.1 Luke 13.31–35 or Luke 9.28–36

God of wisdom,
may the light of the eternal Word,
our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ,
guide us to your glory.
Preface of Lent
Creator of heaven and earth,
we thank you for these holy mysteries,
which bring us now a share in the life to come,
Third Sunday in Lent—Year A

Sentence
Lord, you are indeed the Saviour of the world. Give us living
water, that we may not thirst.
Collect
Almighty God,
whose Son Jesus Christ gives the water of eternal life,
may we always thirst for you,
the spring of life and source of goodness;
through him who lives and reigns with you
and the Holy Spirit,
Readings
Exodus 17.1–7 Psalm 95
Refrain Oh, that today you would hearken to his voice: harden not
your hearts. Or v.8 or CR 8
Romans 5.1–11 John 4.5–42
Lent 289
Spring of life and Source of goodness,
and bring us to the living water,
Jesus Christ, your Son our Lord.
Preface of Lent
God of our pilgrimage,
we have found the living water.
Refresh and sustain us
as we go forth on our journey,
Third Sunday in Lent—Years B and C

Sentence
B God so loved the world that he gave his only Son,
that whoever believes in him should not perish but have
eternal life. John 3.16
C Repent, says the Lord, for the kingdom of heaven is at
hand. Matthew 4.17
Collect
Father of mercy,
alone we have no power in ourselves to help ourselves.
When we are discouraged by our weakness,
strengthen us to follow Christ,
our pattern and our hope;
Readings
B Exodus 20.1–17 Psalm 19
Refrain The words of the Lord are spirit and life.
Or v.8 or CR 1
1 Corinthians 1.18–25 John 2.13–22
290 Lent
C Isaiah 55.1–9 Psalm 63.1–8
Refrain The Lord is full of compassion and mercy.
Or v.7 or CR 6
1 Corinthians 10.1–13 Luke 13.1–9

Gracious God,
we know your power to triumph over weakness.
May we who ask forgiveness
be ready to forgive one another,
in the name of Jesus the Lord.
Preface of Lent
God of mercy and forgiveness,
may we who share this sacrament
live together in unity and peace,
Fourth Sunday in Lent—Year A

Sentence
I am the light of the world, says the Lord; those who follow me
will have the light of life. John 8.12
Collect
Almighty God,
through the waters of baptism
your Son has made us children of light.
May we ever walk in his light
and show forth your glory in the world;
Lent 291
Readings
1 Samuel 16.1–13 Psalm 23
Refrain The Lord has anointed his servant with oil. Or v.5 or CR 1
Ephesians 5.8–14 John 9.1–41

God of light,
your Word brings to us a new vision of your glory.
Accept our offering of praise and thanksgiving,
Preface of Lent
Father,
through your goodness
we receive your Son in word and sacrament.
May we always have faith in him,
Jesus Christ the Lord.
Fourth Sunday in Lent—Years B and C

Sentence
B God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, that
whoever believes in him should not perish but have
C I will arise and go to my father, and I will say to him:
Father I have sinned against heaven and before you.
Luke 15.18
Collect
Gracious Father,
whose blessed Son Jesus Christ came from heaven
to be the true bread which gives life to the world,
evermore give us this bread,
that he may live in us, and we in him,
292 Lent
Readings
B Numbers 21.4–9 Psalm 107.1–3, 17–22
Refrain May I never speak again if I forget you. Or v.6 or CR 5
C Joshua 5.9–12 Psalm 32

Refrain Taste and see that the Lord is good. Or v.8 or CR 6
2 Corinthians 5.16–21 Luke 15.1–3, 11b–32

God of mercy and compassion,
your Word calls us home to faith and love.
Preface of Lent
Giver of life,
you enlighten all who come into the world.
Fill our hearts with the splendour of your grace,
that we may perfectly love you
and worthily praise your holy name,
through Jesus Christ the Lord.
Fifth Sunday in Lent—Year A

Sentence
I am the resurrection and the life, says the Lord; whoever lives
and believes in me shall never die. John 11.25, 26
Collect
Almighty God,
your Son came into the world
to free us all from sin and death.
Breathe upon us with the power of your Spirit,
that we may be raised to new life in Christ,
and serve you in holiness and righteousness all our days;
through the same Jesus Christ, our Lord.
Lent 293
Readings
Ezekiel 37.1–14 Psalm 130
Refrain You have rescued my soul from death. Or v.8 or CR 1
Romans 8.6–11 John 11.1–45

Giver of life,
your Son has destroyed the power of death
for all those who believe in him.
Accept all we offer you this day
and strengthen us in faith and hope;
through Jesus Christ, the Lord of all the living.
Preface of Lent
God of hope,
in this eucharist we have tasted the promise
of your heavenly banquet
and the richness of eternal life.
May we who bear witness to the death of your Son,
also proclaim the glory of his resurrection,
for he is Lord for ever and ever.
Fifth Sunday in Lent—Years B and C

Sentence
B Anyone who serves me must follow me, says the Lord,
and where I am, there shall my servant be also. John 12.26
C All I care for is to know Christ and the power of his
resurrection. See Philippians 3.10
294 Lent
Collect
Most merciful God,
by the death and resurrection
of your Son Jesus Christ,
you created humanity anew.
May the power of his victorious cross
transform those who turn in faith
to him who lives and reigns with you
Readings
B Jeremiah 31.31–34 Psalm 51.1–13 or Psalm 119.9–16
Refrain Create in me a clean heart, O God. Or v.11 or CR 5
Hebrews 5.5–10 John 12.20–33
C Isaiah 43.16–21 Psalm 126

Philippians 3.4b–14 John 12.1–8

Eternal God,
your only Son suffered death upon the cross
to bring the world salvation.
Accept the praise and thanksgiving
we offer you this day,
Preface of Lent
Merciful God,
you have called us to your table
and fed us with the bread of life.
Draw us and all people to your Son,
our Saviour Jesus Christ.
Lent 295
Holy Week
The glory of Easter is the heart of the Christian gospel. It is the centre
of the Church’s faith and worship. In the earliest days of the Church it
was the only Christian festival: an annual celebration, in one act, of
Christ’s life, death, resurrection, ascension, and his sending of the
Holy Spirit. The celebration lasted fifty days in one continuous festival
of adoration, joy, and thanksgiving, ending on the Feast of Pentecost.
By the fourth century, the Church was adding to its celebration of
Easter a week-long commemoration of the events which preceded our
Lord’s resurrection, beginning on Sunday with his triumphal entry
into Jerusalem. Christians would recall the final meal Jesus had with
his disciples and his institution of the sacrament of the eucharist. On
the Friday they would commemorate Christ’s agony and death on the
cross. On Saturday night they would gather for the reading of the
scripture, for prayers, for the baptism of their new converts, and then,
as the day of the resurrection dawned, for the joyful celebration of
Easter. The week before Easter became known as Holy Week. The
focal points of this week would be
The Sunday of the Passion with the Liturgy of the Palms,
Maundy Thursday, with foot washing and a thanksgiving for the
institution of the eucharist,
Good Friday, with a veneration of the cross,
Easter Eve, with the Great Vigil, paschal fire, initiation, and the
Easter eucharist.
The services which follow contain suggestions for the observance of
Holy Week and the celebration of Easter today. They represent an
adaptation of a variety of services used through the centuries of the
Church’s life. Because they will be new to many people, they should
be carefully explained and rehearsed before they are used. Members
of congregations should be involved in the planning of the services
and should be encouraged to participate in them.
296 Holy Week

The Sunday of the Passion
With the Liturgy of the Palms
The Liturgy of the Palms

When circumstances are suitable, the people may assemble at a place apart
from the church, so that all may enter the church in procession.
The branches of palm, or of other trees or shrubs to be carried in procession,
may be distributed to the people before the service, or immediately before the
procession. The following or some other suitable anthem is said or sung.
The priest then greets the people and gives a brief introduction, inviting them
to participate in the celebration in these or similar words.
during Lent we have been preparing
for the celebration of our Lord’s paschal mystery.
On this day our Lord Jesus Christ
entered the holy city of Jerusalem in triumph.
The people welcomed him with palms and shouts of praise,
but the path before him led to self-giving, suffering, and death.
Today we greet him as our King,
although we know his crown is thorns and his throne a cross.
We follow him this week from the glory of the palms
to the glory of the resurrection
by way of the dark road of suffering and death.
United with him in his suffering on the cross,
may we share his resurrection and new life.
Let us pray.
Assist us mercifully with your help,
Lord God of our salvation,
that we may enter with joy
into the celebration of those mighty acts
whereby you give us life and immortality;
Sunday of the Passion 297

All remain standing for the Gospel.
according to . . .
Then a deacon, a priest, or some other appointed person shall read one of the
following:
A—Matthew 21.1–11
B—Mark 11.1–11 or John 12.12–16
C—Luke 19.28–40
The celebrant then says the following blessing.
It is right to praise you, almighty God,
for the acts of love by which you have redeemed us
The Hebrews acclaimed Jesus as Messiah and King,
with palm branches in their hands, crying,
May we also, carrying these emblems, go forth to meet Christ
and follow him in the way that leads to eternal life;
who lives and reigns in glory with you and the Holy Spirit,
298 Sunday of the Passion

The Procession
Let us go forth in peace.
People In the name of Christ. Amen.
During the procession, all hold branches in their hands, and suitable hymns,
psalms (such as 118.1–2, 19–29), or anthems are sung. At a suitable place, the
procession may halt while the following or some other appropriate collect is
said.
Almighty God,
whose Son was crucified yet entered into glory,
may we, walking in the way of the cross,
find it is for us the way of life;
In the absence of a bishop or priest, the preceding service may be led by a
deacon or lay person.
At the Eucharist
When the Liturgy of the Palms precedes the eucharist, the celebration begins
with the Collect of the Day.
Let us pray.
Almighty and everliving God,
in tender love for all our human race
you sent your Son our Saviour Jesus Christ
to take our flesh
and suffer death upon a cruel cross.
May we follow the example of his great humility,
and share in the glory of his resurrection;
Sunday of the Passion 299

Readings
A Isaiah 50.4–9a Psalm 31.9–16
Refrain Into your hands, O Lord, I commend my spirit.
Or v.16 or CR 8
Philippians 2.5–11 Matthew 26.14—27.66 or Matthew 27.11–54
B Isaiah 50.4–9a Psalm 31.9–16

Refrain As Year A
Philippians 2.5–11 Mark 14.1—15.47 or Mark 15.1–39, (40–47)
C Isaiah 50.4–9a Psalm 31.9–16

Refrain As Year A
Philippians 2.5–11 Luke 22.14—23.56 or Luke 23.1–49
Lay persons may read or chant the Passion. Specific roles may be assigned to
individuals and to the congregation. After the Liturgy of the Palms, the creed
and the confession of sin may be omitted at the eucharist.
Gracious God,
the suffering and death of Jesus, your only Son,
makes us pleasing in your sight.
Alone we can do nothing,
but through his sacrifice,
may we receive your love and mercy.
Preface of Holy Week
God our help and strength,
you have satisfied our hunger with this eucharistic food.
Strengthen our faith,
that through the death and resurrection of your Son,
we may be led to salvation,
Christ became obedient unto death, even death on a cross.
Therefore God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him
the name which is above every name. Philippians 2.8–9
300 Sunday of the Passion

Monday in Holy Week
Sentence
God sent his Son to be the expiation for our sins. 1 John 4.10
Collect
Almighty God,
whose Son was crucified yet entered into glory,
may we, walking in the way of the cross,
find it is for us the way of life;
Readings
Isaiah 42.1–9 Psalm 36.5–11
Refrain In your light, O God, we see light. Or v.5 or CR 7
Hebrews 9.11–15 John 12.1–11

Ruler of all creation,
your Son was anointed with costly oil
in preparation for death and the grave.
for the sake of him who died that we might live,
God of our salvation,
in this eucharist
you have renewed us in your covenant.
Help us to follow in the path of him
who came to open the eyes of the blind
and bring prisoners out of darkness,
Holy Week 301

Tuesday in Holy Week
Sentence
Anyone who serves me must follow me, says the Lord, and
where I am, there shall my servant be also. John 12.26
Collect
O God,
by the passion of your blessed Son,
you made an instrument of shameful death
to be for us the means of life.
May our lives be so transformed by his passion
that we may witness to his grace;
Readings
Isaiah 49.1–7 Psalm 71.1–14
Refrain From my mother’s womb you have been my strength.
Or v.6 or CR 5

Source of life,
accept all we offer you this day,
and turn us from sin and death,
that we may share in the tree of life,

Faithful God,
may we who share this banquet
glory in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ,
our salvation, life, and hope,
who reigns as Lord now and for ever.
302 Holy Week

Wednesday in Holy Week
Sentence
By this will all know that you are my disciples, if you have love
for one another. John 13.35
Collect
Lord God,
your Son our Saviour gave his body to be whipped
and turned his face for men to spit upon.
Give your servants grace to accept suffering for his sake,
confident of the glory that will be revealed,
through Jesus Christ our Lord
Readings
Isaiah 50.4–9a Psalm 70
Refrain O Lord, make haste to help me. Or v.6 or CR 5
Hebrews 12.1–3 John 13.21–32

God of glory,
may our worship this day
fix the eyes of our faith on Jesus,
the pioneer and perfecter of our new humanity,
who is seated at the right hand of your throne,
now and for ever.
God our help,
your Son was betrayed by one who called himself a friend.
May we who call him Lord
ever remain his faithful people,
for he lives and reigns with you now and for ever.
Holy Week 303

Maundy Thursday
This liturgy is celebrated once in the day and normally in the evening. The
celebrant may address the congregation in these words.
This is the day
that Christ the Lamb of God
gave himself into the hands of those who would slay him.
This is the day
that Christ gathered with his disciples in the upper room.
This is the day
that Christ took a towel
and washed the disciples’ feet,
giving us an example that we should do to others
as he has done to us.
This is the day
that Christ our God gave us this holy feast,
that we who eat this bread
and drink this cup
may here proclaim his Holy Sacrifice
and be partakers of his resurrection,
and at the last day may reign with him in heaven.
The eucharist follows in the usual manner, using the following collect,
readings, and psalm.
Collect
O God,
your Son Jesus Christ
has left to us this meal of bread and wine
in which we share his body and his blood.
May we who celebrate this sign of his great love
show in our lives the fruits of his redemption;
304 Maundy Thursday

Readings
Exodus 12.1–4, (5–10), 11–14 Psalm 116.1, 10–17

Refrain I will lift up the cup of salvation. Or v.11 or CR 7
1 Corinthians 11.23–26 John 13.1–17, 31b–35
When observed, the ceremony of the washing of feet follows the Gospel and
sermon. The celebrant may introduce the ceremony using these or similar
words.
Fellow servants of our Lord Jesus Christ,
on the night before his death,
Jesus set an example for his disciples
by washing their feet, an act of humble service.
He taught that strength and growth
in the life of the kingdom of God
come not by power, authority, or even miracle,
but by such lowly service.
Therefore, I invite you
(who have been appointed as representatives
of the congregation and)
who share in the royal priesthood of Christ,
to come forward,
that I may recall whose servant I am
by following the example of my Master.
But come remembering his admonition
that what will be done for you
is also to be done by you to others,
for “a servant is not greater than his master,
nor is one who is sent greater than the one who sent him.
If you know these things, blessed are you if you do them.”
Maundy Thursday 305

A basin of water is placed at the chancel step. Members of the congregation,
or their representatives, are seated on chairs near the front of the assembly.
The celebrant, carrying a towel, proceeds to wash the feet of those seated
before him.
During the ceremony suitable anthems or songs may be sung.
The service continues with the Prayers of the People. At the offertory the
following Prayer over the Gifts may be used.
Father,
we spread this table
to remember the loving sacrifice of Jesus Christ, your Son.
Accept all we offer you this day.
Bind us together in his love
and in the love he has commanded us to bring one another;
In Eucharistic Prayer 3 the opening words of the institution narrative may be
changed to,
On this very night,
when he was handed over to suffering and death . . .
Eucharistic Prayers 1 and 6 are also appropriate on Maundy Thursday. In
Prayer 1 the opening words of the institution narrative may be changed to,
On this very night,
when he freely gave himself to death . . .
And in Prayer 6 they may be changed to,
At supper with them on this night, he took bread . . .
When it is desired to administer Holy Communion from the reserved
sacrament on Good Friday, the sacrament for that purpose is consecrated at
this service.
306 Maundy Thursday

Holy God,
source of all love,
on the night of his betrayal
Jesus gave his disciples a new commandment,
to love one another as he loved them.
Write this commandment in our hearts;
give us the will to serve others
as he was the servant of all,
who gave his life and died for us,
yet is alive and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit,
A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another
as I have loved you. John 13.34
The Prayer after Communion may conclude the spoken part of the eucharistic
liturgy.
At the end of the service, the ornaments and cloths on the altar and in other
places in the church building may be removed. During their removal,
Matthew 26.30–46 and Psalm 22 may be read.
The blessing or dismissal may be omitted. The congregation should leave in
silence.
Maundy Thursday 307

Good Friday
The Celebration of the Lord’s Passion
The Ministry of the Word

When the congregation has assembled and the ministers, having entered in
silence, are in their places, all shall stand.
Celebrant All we like sheep have gone astray;
we have turned every one to his own way,
People And the Lord has laid on him
the iniquity of us all.
Celebrant Christ the Lord became obedient unto death,
People Even death on a cross.
All our heavenly Father,
we have sinned
in thought and word and deed;
we have not loved you with our whole heart;
We pray you of your mercy,
forgive us all that is past,
and grant that we may serve you
in newness of life

Almighty God,
look graciously, we pray, on this your family,
308 Good Friday

for whom our Lord Jesus Christ
was willing to be betrayed
and given into the hands of sinners,
and to suffer death upon the cross;
who now lives and reigns with you
Readings
Isaiah 52.13—53.12 Psalm 22
Refrain My God, my God, why have you forsaken me? Or v.1
Hebrews 10.16–25 or Hebrews 4.14–16; 5.7–9 John 18.1—19.42
The customary Gospel responses are omitted at the Readings of the Passion.
The Passion may be read or chanted by lay persons. Roles may be assigned to
different people and the congregation.
The term “the Jews” in St John’s Gospel applies to particular individuals and
not to the whole Jewish people. Insofar as we ourselves turn against Christ,
we are responsible for his death.
The congregation may be seated until the verse which mentions the arrival at
Golgotha (John 19.17) at which time all stand. The Passion Gospel is
announced in the following manner.
Reader The Passion of our Lord Jesus Christ
according to John.
Then may follow a sermon. A hymn may be sung.
The Solemn Intercession

All standing, the deacon or other person appointed says to the people,
Dear people of God,
our heavenly Father sent his Son into the world,
not to condemn the world,
but that the world through him might be saved,
that all who believe in him
might be delivered from the power of sin and death
and become heirs with him of eternal life.
Good Friday 309

The people may be directed to kneel or stand. The biddings may be read by a
deacon or other person appointed. The silence should be of significant length.
The celebrant says the collects.
Let us pray for the one holy catholic
and apostolic Church of Christ throughout the world:
for its unity in witness and service,
for all bishops and other ministers
and the people whom they serve,
for N our bishop,
and all the people of this diocese,
for all Christians in this community,
for those about to be baptized
(particularly . . . ),
that the Lord will confirm his Church in faith,
increase it in love,
and preserve it in peace.
Silence
by your Spirit the whole body of your faithful people
is governed and sanctified.
Receive our supplications and prayers
which we offer before you
for all members of your holy Church,
that in our vocation and ministry
we may truly and devoutly serve you;
through our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. Amen.
Let us pray for all nations and peoples of the earth,
and for those in authority among them:
for Elizabeth our Queen and all the Royal Family,
for N the Prime Minister
and for the government of this country,
for N the premier of this province
and the members of the legislature,
for N the mayor of this municipality
310 Good Friday

and those who serve with him/her
on the (city, town, village, district) council, †
for all who serve the common good,
that by God’s help
they may seek justice and truth,
and live in peace and concord.
Silence
Almighty God,
kindle, we pray, in every heart
the true love of peace,
and guide with your wisdom
those who take counsel for the nations of the earth,
that justice and peace may increase,
until the earth is filled
with the knowledge of your love;
Let us pray for all who suffer
and are afflicted in body or in mind:
for the hungry and homeless,
the destitute and the oppressed,
and all who suffer persecution or prejudice,
for the sick, the wounded, and the handicapped,
for those in loneliness, fear, and anguish,
for those who face temptation, doubt, and despair,
for the sorrowful and bereaved,
for prisoners and captives
and those in mortal danger,
that God in his mercy will comfort and relieve them,
and grant them the knowledge of his love,
and stir up in us the will and patience
to minister to their needs.
† The name and title of the officers and the names of the governing bodies
should be adapted in accordance with practice.
Good Friday 311

Silence
Gracious God,
the comfort of all who sorrow,
the strength of all who suffer,
hear the cry of those in misery and need.
In their afflictions show them your mercy,
and give us, we pray, the strength to serve them,
for the sake of him who suffered for us,
your Son Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Let us pray for all
who have not received the gospel of Christ:
for all who have not heard the words of salvation,
for all who have lost their faith,
for all whose sin has made them indifferent to Christ,
for all who actively oppose Christ by word or deed,
for all who are enemies of the cross of Christ,
and persecutors of his disciples,
for all who in the name of Christ
have persecuted others,
that God will open their hearts to the truth,
and lead them to faith and obedience.
Silence
Merciful God,
creator of the peoples of the earth and lover of souls,
have compassion on all who do not know you
as you are revealed in your Son Jesus Christ.
Let your gospel be preached with grace and power
to those who have not heard it,
turn the hearts of those who resist it,
and bring home to your fold those who have gone astray;
that there may be one flock under one shepherd,
312 Good Friday

Let us commit ourselves to God,
and pray for the grace of a holy life,
that with all who have departed this life
and have died in the peace of Christ,
and those whose faith is known to God alone,
we may be accounted worthy
to enter into the fullness of the joy of our Lord,
and receive the crown of life in the day of resurrection.
Silence
O God of unchangeable power and eternal light,
look favourably on your whole Church,
that wonderful and sacred mystery.
By the effectual working of your providence,
carry out in tranquillity the plan of salvation.
Let the whole world see and know
that things which were cast down are being raised up,
and things which had grown old are being made new,
and that all things are being brought to their perfection
by him through whom all things were made,
your Son Jesus Christ our Lord;
one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
The service may be concluded here with a hymn, the Lord’s Prayer (p. 318),
and the final prayer (p. 320).
Meditation on the Cross of Jesus

If desired, a wooden cross may be brought into the church and placed in the
sight of the people. Then may be sung or said one of the following:
Celebrant This is the wood of the cross,
on which hung the Saviour of the world.
People Come let us worship.
Or
Celebrant Christ our Lord became obedient unto death.
People Come let us worship.
Good Friday 313

Appropriate devotions may follow which may include any or all of the
following or other suitable anthems. If the texts are recited rather than sung,
the congregation reads the parts in heavy type.
Anthem 1 †
Is it nothing to you, all you who pass by?
Look and see if there is any sorrow like my sorrow
which was brought upon me,
which the Lord inflicted on the day of his fierce anger.
Holy God, holy and mighty,
holy and immortal one, have mercy upon us.
O my people, O my Church,
What have I done to you,
or in what have I offended you?
Testify against me.
I led you forth from the land of Egypt,
and delivered you by the waters of baptism,
but you have prepared a cross for your Saviour.
I led you through the desert forty years,
and fed you with manna.
I brought you through tribulation and penitence,
and gave you my body, the bread of heaven,
but you have prepared a cross for your Saviour.
What more could I have done for you
that I have not done?
I planted you, my chosen and fairest vineyard,
I made you the branches of my vine;
but when I was thirsty, you gave me vinegar to drink,
and pierced with a spear the side of your Saviour.
† Excerpted from From Ashes to Fire, Supplemental Worship Resource 8.

©
Copyright 1979 by Abingdon. Reprinted by permission.
314 Good Friday

I went before you in a pillar of cloud,
and you have led me to the judgement hall of Pilate.
I scourged your enemies and brought you
to a land of freedom,
but you have scourged, mocked, and beaten me.
I gave you the water of salvation from the rock,
but you have given me gall and left me to thirst.
I gave you a royal sceptre,
and bestowed the keys to the kingdom,
but you have given me a crown of thorns.
I raised you on high with great power,
but you have hanged me on the cross.
My peace I gave, which the world cannot give,
and washed your feet as a sign of my love,
but you draw the sword to strike in my name,
and seek high places in my kingdom.
I offered you my body and blood,
but you scatter and deny and abandon me.
I sent the Spirit of truth to guide you,
and you close your hearts to the Counsellor.
I pray that all may be as one in the Father and me,
but you continue to quarrel and divide.
I call you to go and bring forth fruit,
but you cast lots for my clothing.
Good Friday 315

I grafted you into the tree of my chosen Israel,
and you turned on them with persecution
and mass murder.
I made you joint heirs with them of my covenants,
but you made them scapegoats for your own guilt.
I came to you as the least of your brothers and sisters;
I was hungry and you gave me no food,
I was thirsty and you gave me no drink,
I was a stranger and you did not welcome me,
naked and you did not clothe me,
sick and in prison and you did not visit me.
Anthem 2
We glory in your cross, O Lord,
And praise and glorify your holy resurrection;
for by virtue of your cross
joy has come to the whole world.
May God be merciful to us and bless us,
show us the light of his countenance, and come to us.
Let your ways be known upon the earth,
your saving health among all nations.
Let the peoples praise you, O God;
let all the peoples praise you.
We glory in your cross, O Lord,
and praise and glorify your holy resurrection;
for by virtue of your cross
joy has come to the whole world.
Anthem 3
We adore you, O Christ, and we bless you,
Because by your holy cross you have redeemed the world.
316 Good Friday

If we have died with him, we shall also live with him;
if we endure, we shall also reign with him.
We adore you, O Christ, and we bless you,
because by your holy cross you have redeemed the world.
Anthem 4
O Saviour of the world,
by your cross and precious blood you have redeemed us.
Save us and help us, we humbly beseech you, O Lord.
The hymn “Sing, my tongue, the glorious battle,” or some other hymn
extolling the glory of the cross, is then sung. The service may be concluded
with the Lord’s Prayer (p. 318), and the final prayer (p. 320).
The Holy Communion

In places where the eucharist is to be celebrated, the service continues with the
preparation of the gifts.
Holy God,
your Son Jesus Christ carried our sins
in his own body on the tree,
so that we might have life.
May we and all who remember this day
find new life in him,
now and in the world to come,
where he lives with you and the Holy Spirit,
for ever and ever.
In places where Holy Communion is to be administered from the reserved
sacrament, the following order is observed.
Good Friday 317

The table having been covered with a fair linen, and the sacrament having
been brought and placed on the altar, the celebrant shall say,
As our Saviour taught us, let us pray,
your kingdom come,
your will be done,
Forgive us our sins
now and forever. Amen.
Or
we are bold to say,
thy kingdom come,
thy will be done,
The celebrant invites the people to share in communion.
Celebrant The gifts of God for the People of God.
318 Good Friday


One of the following prayers is said.
Celebrant Almighty and eternal God,
All you have restored us to life
by the triumphant death
and resurrection of Christ.
Continue this healing work within us.
May we who partake of this mystery
never cease to give you dedicated service.
We ask this through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Or
Celebrant Lord Jesus Christ, Son of the living God,
All we pray you to set your passion, cross, and death
between your judgement and our souls,
now and in the hour of our death.
Give mercy and grace to the living,
pardon and rest to the dead,
to your holy Church peace and concord,
and to us sinners everlasting life and glory;
for with the Father and the Holy Spirit,
you live and reign,
Good Friday 319

The service ends with the following prayer. No blessing or dismissal is added.
Send down your abundant blessing, Lord,
upon your people
who have devoutly recalled the death of your Son
in the sure and certain hope of the resurrection.
Grant them pardon; bring them comfort.
May their faith grow stronger
and their eternal salvation be assured.
We ask this through Christ our Lord.

Christ became obedient unto death, even death on a cross.
Therefore God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him
Holy Saturday
Sentence
Christ became obedient unto death, even death on a cross. Therefore
God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him
Collect
O God,
as the crucified body of your dear Son
was laid in the tomb and rested on this holy Sabbath,
so may we await with him the coming of the third day,
and rise with him to newness of life;
who now lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit,
Readings
Job 14.1–14 or Lamentations 3.1–9, 19–24 Psalm 31.1–4, 15–16
1 Peter 4.1–8 Matthew 27.57–66 or John 19.38–42
The eucharist is not normally celebrated on Holy Saturday.
320 Holy Saturday

Concerning the Great Vigil of Easter
The Great Vigil, when observed, is the first service of Easter. It is celebrated
at a convenient time between sunset on Holy Saturday and sunrise on Easter
morning.
The service normally consists of four parts:
1 The Service of Light,
2 The Liturgy of the Word,
3 Christian Initiation, or the Renewal of Baptismal Vows,
4 The Holy Eucharist with the administration of Easter Communion.
It is desirable for all the ordained ministers present, together with lay readers,
singers, and other persons, to take active parts in the service.
The bishop, when present, is the chief celebrant. He presides at baptism and
administers confirmation, and normally preaches the sermon.
The priests who are present share among them the reading of the collects
which follow each lesson, and assist at baptism and the eucharist. In the
absence of a bishop, a priest presides at the service.
It is the prerogative of a deacon to carry the paschal candle to its place, and to
chant the Exsultet. Deacons likewise assist at baptism and the eucharist
according to their order.
Lay persons read the lessons and the epistle, and assist in other ways. A lay
person may be assigned to chant the Exsultet. It is desirable that each lesson
be read by a different reader.
In the absence of a bishop or priest, a deacon or lay reader may lead the first
two parts of the service, the Renewal of Baptismal Vows, and the Ministry of
the Word of the Vigil Eucharist, concluding with the Prayers of the People,
the Lord’s Prayer, and the Dismissal.
Easter Vigil 321

The Great Vigil of Easter
In the darkness, fire is kindled. The celebrant may then greet the people and
address them in these or similar words.
on this most holy night,
when our Lord Jesus Christ passed from death to life,
the Church invites her children throughout the world
to come together in vigil and prayer.
This is the Passover of the Lord.
We remember his death and resurrection
by hearing his word and celebrating his mysteries;
we are confident
that we shall share his victory over death
and live with him for ever in God.
The celebrant may say the following prayer.
Let us pray.
Father,
we share in the light of your glory
through your Son, the light of the world.
Sanctify this new fire, and inflame us with new hope.
Purify our minds by this Easter celebration
and bring us one day to the feast of eternal light.
We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.
In some places it may seem appropriate to stress the dignity and significance
of the paschal candle with other symbolic rites. See p. 333.
The paschal candle is lighted from the new fire. The deacon (a priest if there is
no deacon) takes the paschal candle, lifts it high, and sings,
The light of Christ.
The procession enters the church, led by the deacon with the paschal candle.
At a suitable place the deacon lifts the candle high, and sings a second time,
322 Easter Vigil

If candles have been distributed to the congregation, they may be lighted now
or when the procession ends. The procession continues until the deacon
arrives before the altar. Turning to face the people, the deacon sings a third
time,
Other candles and lamps in the church may now be lighted. The paschal
candle is placed in its stand in the middle of the sanctuary or near the lectern.
The deacon, or other person appointed, standing near the candle, sings or
says the Exsultet.
Rejoice, heavenly powers! Sing, choirs of angels!
Exult, all creation around God’s throne! Jesus
Christ, our King, is risen! Sound the trumpet of
salvation!
Rejoice, O earth, in shining splendour, radiant in
the brightness of your King! Christ has conquered!
Glory fills you! Darkness vanishes for ever!
Rejoice, O Mother Church! Exult in glory! The risen
Saviour shines upon you! Let this place resound with
joy, echoing the mighty song of all God’s people!
Deacon Let us give thanks to the Lord our God.
Deacon It is truly right that with full hearts and minds and
voices we should praise the unseen God, the all-
powerful Father, and his only Son, our Lord Jesus
Christ. For Christ has ransomed us with his blood,
and paid for us the price of Adam’s sin to our
eternal Father!
Easter Vigil 323

This is our passover feast, when Christ, the true
Lamb, is slain, whose blood consecrates the homes
of all believers.
This is the night when first you saved our forebears:
you freed the people of Israel from their slavery and
led them dry-shod through the sea.
This is the night when Christians everywhere,
washed clean of sin and freed from all defilement,
are restored to grace and grow together in holiness.
This is the night when Jesus Christ broke the chains
of death and rose triumphant from the grave.
Father, how wonderful your care for us! How
boundless your merciful love! To ransom a slave
you gave away your Son.
The power of this holy night dispels all evil, washes
guilt away, restores lost innocence, brings
mourners joy.
Night truly blessed when heaven is wedded to
earth and we are reconciled with God!
Therefore, heavenly Father, in the joy of this night,
receive our evening sacrifice of praise, your
Church’s solemn offering. Accept this Easter
candle. May it always dispel the darkness of this
night!
May the Morning Star which never sets find this
flame still burning: Christ, that Morning Star, who
came back from the dead, and shed his peaceful
light on all creation, your Son who lives and reigns
After the Exsultet, if candles are being held, they may be extinguished. The
paschal candle may burn at all services from Easter Day through the Day of
Pentecost.
324 Easter Vigil

The Liturgy of the Word
Before the Readings begin, the celebrant may speak to the people in these or
similar words.
let us now listen attentively to the word of God,
recalling how he saved his people throughout history
and in the fullness of time,
sent his own Son to be our Redeemer.
Readings
Ten Readings from the Old Testament are provided. At least three are to be
read. The passage from Exodus 14 is never to be omitted. Each Old Testament
reading is followed by one or more of the following:
1 a suitable psalm, canticle, anthem, or hymn,
2 a period of silence,
3 a prayer.
Two Readings from the New Testament are provided. Both are to be read.
1 Genesis 1.1—2.4a Psalm 136.1–9, 23–26

Refrain By the word of the Lord were the heavens made.
Prayer
Almighty and eternal God,
you created all things in wonderful beauty and order.
Help us now to perceive
how still more wonderful is the new creation,
by which in the fullness of time
you redeemed your people
through the sacrifice of our Passover, Jesus Christ,
who lives and reigns for ever and ever.
2 Genesis 7.1–5, 11–18; 8.6–18; 9.8–13 Psalm 46

Refrain The Lord of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our
stronghold.
Easter Vigil 325

Prayer
Faithful God,
you have placed the rainbow in the skies
as the sign of your covenant with all living things.
May we who are saved through water and the Spirit,
worthily offer to you our sacrifice of thanksgiving.
3 Genesis 22.1–18 Psalm 16
Refrain Protect me, O God, for I take refuge in you.
Prayer
God and Father of all who believe in you,
you promised Abraham
that he would become the father of all nations,
and through the death and resurrection of Christ
you fulfil that promise;
everywhere throughout the world
you increase your chosen people.
May we respond to your call by joyfully accepting
your invitation to the new life of grace.
Grant this through Christ our Lord.
4 Exodus 14.10–31; 15.20–21 Canticle 1 (Exodus 15.1b–13, 17–18)
Refrain I will sing to the Lord for his glorious triumph.
Prayer
God of steadfast love,
your wonderful deeds of old shine forth even to our own day.
By the power of your mighty arm
you once delivered your chosen people
from slavery under Pharaoh,
to be a sign for us of the salvation of all nations
by the water of baptism.
Grant that all the peoples of the earth
may be numbered among the offspring of Abraham,
and rejoice in the inheritance of Israel.
We ask this through Jesus Christ our Lord.
326 Easter Vigil

5 Isaiah 54.5–14 Psalm 30
Refrain You have brought me up, O Lord, from the dead.
Prayer
O God,
you led your ancient people
in a pillar of cloud by day and a pillar of fire by night.
Grant that we who serve you now on earth,
may come to the joy of that heavenly Jerusalem,
where you wipe away all tears,
and where your saints for ever sing your praise.
Grant this through Christ our Lord.
6 Isaiah 55.1–11 Canticle 3 (Isaiah 12.2–6)
Refrain You shall draw water with rejoicing.
Prayer
O God,
by the power of your Word
you have created all things,
and by your Spirit you renew the earth.
Give now the water of life to those who thirst for you,
that they may bring forth abundant fruit
in your glorious kingdom.
7 Baruch 3.9–15, 32—4.4 or Proverbs 8.1–8, 19–21; 9.4b–6 Psalm 19
Refrain The statutes of the Lord rejoice the heart.
Prayer
Creator of the universe, Source of all light,
teach us to hold fast to the ways of wisdom,
that we may live for ever in the radiance of your glory.
This we ask in the name of Jesus Christ our Saviour.
Easter Vigil 327

8 Ezekiel 36.24–28 Psalm 42 and 43
Refrain As the deer longs for water-brooks, so longs my soul for you,
O God.
Prayer
in the paschal mystery you established
the new covenant of reconciliation.
Grant that all who are born again in baptism
may show forth in their lives
what they profess by their faith.
Grant this in the name of Jesus Christ our Lord.
9 Ezekiel 37.1–14 Psalm 143
Refrain Revive me, O Lord, for your name’s sake.
Prayer
Living God,
by the Passover of your Son
you have brought us out of sin into righteousness,
and out of death into life.
Grant to those who are sealed by your Holy Spirit
the will and power to proclaim you to all the world;
10 Zephaniah 3.14–20 Psalm 98
Refrain Lift up your voice, rejoice, and sing.
Prayer
328 Easter Vigil

your Son Jesus Christ our Lord.
Glory to God, You are God, or some other suitable song of praise is sung.
Bells may be rung, according to local custom.

Eternal Giver of life and light,
this holy night shines with the radiance of the risen Christ.
Renew your Church with the Spirit given to us in baptism,
that we may worship you in sincerity and truth,
and shine as a light in the world;
Readings
Romans 6.3–11 Psalm 114
Refrain Alleluia!
A Matthew 28.1–10
B Mark 16.1–8
C Luke 24.1–12
Sermon
Holy Baptism
Holy Baptism may follow, beginning with the Presentation and Examination
of the Candidates on p. 153.
During the procession to the font, which may take place here or immediately
before the Thanksgiving over the Water, a litany, psalm, anthem, or hymn
may be sung. The Presentation and Examination of the Candidates should
take place in a location which the congregation can see.
Easter Vigil 329

The Renewal of Baptismal Vows
For use when there are no candidates for baptism or confirmation. The
following thanksgiving for water may be sung or said.
Celebrant We thank you, Almighty God, for the gift of water.
Over water the Holy Spirit moved in the beginning
of creation. Through water you led the children of
Israel out of their bondage in Egypt into the land of
promise. In water your Son Jesus received the
baptism of John and was anointed by the Holy
Spirit as the Messiah, the Christ, to lead us,
through his death and resurrection, from the
bondage of sin into everlasting life.
We thank you, Father, for the water of baptism. In
it we are buried with Christ in his death. By it we
share in his resurrection. Through it we are reborn
by the Holy Spirit. Therefore in joyful obedience to
your Son, we celebrate our fellowship in him in faith.
We pray that all who have passed through the water
of baptism may continue for ever in the risen life of
Jesus Christ our Saviour.
To him, to you, and to the Holy Spirit, be all honour
and glory, now and for ever. Amen.
The celebrant may address the people in these or similar words.
Dear friends,
through the paschal mystery
we have been buried with Christ in baptism,
so that we may rise with him to a new life.
Now that our Lenten observance is ended,
let us renew the promises we made in baptism,
when we rejected Satan and all his works,
and promised to serve God faithfully
in his holy catholic Church.
330 Easter Vigil

Celebrant Do you reaffirm your renunciation of evil
and renew your commitment to Jesus Christ?
People I do.
Celebrant Do you believe in God the Father?
Celebrant Do you believe in Jesus Christ, the Son of God?
He will come again
Celebrant Do you believe in God the Holy Spirit?
People I believe in the Holy Spirit,
Celebrant Will you continue in the apostles’ teaching and
prayers?
Celebrant Will you persevere in resisting evil and, whenever
Easter Vigil 331

Celebrant Will you proclaim by word and example the good
Celebrant Will you seek and serve Christ in all persons, loving
Celebrant Will you strive for justice and peace among all
people, and respect the dignity of every human being?
Celebrant Will you strive to safeguard the integrity of God’s
creation, and respect, sustain and renew the life of
the Earth?
The celebrant concludes the Renewal of Baptismal Vows with the following:
God the creator, the rock of our salvation,
has given us new birth by water and the Holy Spirit,
and bestowed upon us the forgiveness of sins,
through our Lord Jesus Christ.
May he keep us faithful to our calling,
The Nicene Creed is not used at this service. The service continues with the
Peace and the Preparation of the Gifts for the eucharist on p. 192.
God of life and health,
accept the offering of your holy people,
and grant that we who are baptized into Christ
may be perfected in your salvation,
in the name of Jesus Christ the risen Lord.
Giver of all, we are nourished with your Easter sacraments.
Fill us with the Spirit of love, and unite us in faith,
that we may be witnesses to the resurrection
and show your glory to all the world,
332 Easter Vigil
The Preparation of the Candle
Any or all of the following rites may be used, depending on local
circumstances.
A After the blessing of the new fire, a lay person or one of the ministers
brings the paschal candle to the celebrant, who cuts a cross in the wax and
traces the Greek letter alpha above the cross, the letter omega below, and the
numerals of the current year between the arms of the cross. Meanwhile he/she
may say,
1 Christ yesterday and today (as he/she traces the vertical arm of the
cross)
2 the beginning and the end (the horizontal arm)
3 Alpha (alpha, above the cross)
4 and Omega (omega, below the cross)
5 all time belongs to him (the first numeral, in the upper left corner of
the cross)
6 and all the ages (the second numeral in the upper right corner)
7 to him be glory and power (the third numeral in the lower left
corner)
8 through every age for ever. Amen. (the last numeral in the lower
right corner)
A
1 9
Ω
B When the cross and other marks have been made, the celebrant may insert
five grains of incense into the candle. He/she does this in the form of a cross,
saying,
1 By his holy 1
2 and glorious wounds
3 may Christ our Lord 4 2 5
4 guard us 3
5 and keep us. Amen.
C The celebrant lights the candle from the new fire, saying,
May the light of Christ, rising in glory,
dispel the darkness of our hearts and minds.
Easter Vigil 333
Additional Directions
When possible a large fire is prepared in a suitable place outside the
church. The people assemble for the lighting of the new fire and of the
paschal candle. All proceed to the darkened church, thus representing
Christ and his antetype, the pillar of light leading the Israelites to their
liberation.
Where it is difficult to have a large fire, the lighting of the new fire
may be adapted to the circumstances. It may be lighted at the entrance
to the church. The paschal candle, representing the risen Christ, is
carried into the darkened church, the congregation waiting in silence.
In the absence of a deacon, the Exsultet may be sung by a priest or by
a lay person. A different translation or musical setting may be
substituted. Where it seems more fitting, an appropriate hymn or
anthem may be sung in its place, for example, “Jesus Christ is risen
today,” “Come, ye faithful, raise the strain,” “The strife is o’er.”
The Service of Light may follow the Liturgy of the Word.
At the dismissal, “Alleluia” is added to the versicle and its response.
334 Easter Vigil

Easter—during the Day
Sentence
Christ our Passover has been sacrificed for us; therefore let us
keep the feast. 1 Corinthians 5.7–8
Collect
Lord of life and power,
through the mighty resurrection of your Son,
you have overcome the old order of sin and death
and have made all things new in him.
May we, being dead to sin
and alive to you in Jesus Christ,
reign with him in glory,
who with you and the Holy Spirit is alive,
Readings
If the first reading is read from the Old Testament, the lection from Acts
should be the second reading.
A Acts 10.34–43 or Jeremiah 31.1–6 Psalm 118.1–2, 14–24
Refrain On this day the Lord has acted; we will rejoice and be glad
in it. Or Alleluia!
Colossians 3.1–4 or Acts 10.34–43 John 20.1–18 or Matthew 28.1–10
B Acts 10.34–43 or Isaiah 25.6–9 Psalm 118.1–2, 14–24

Refrain As in Year A
1 Corinthians 15.1–11 or Acts 10.34–43 John 20.1–18 or Mark 16.1–8
C Acts 10.34–43 or Isaiah 65.17–25 Psalm 118.1–2, 14–24

Refrain As in Year A
1 Corinthians 15.19–26 or Acts 10.34–43 John 20.1–18 or Luke 24.1–12
Readings for Easter Evening

Refrain Alleluia!
1 Corinthians 5.6b–8 Luke 24.13–49
Easter 335
God our strength and salvation,
and grant that we who have confessed your name,
and received new life in baptism,
may live in the joy of the resurrection,
Preface of Easter
God of life,
bring us to the glory of the resurrection
promised in this Easter sacrament.
We ask this in the name of Jesus Christ the risen Lord.
Second Sunday of Easter

Sentence
Have you believed, Thomas, because you have seen me?
Blessed are those who have not seen and yet believe.
John 20.29
Collect
the strength of those who believe
and the hope of those who doubt,
may we, who have not seen, have faith
and receive the fullness of Christ’s blessing,
Readings
A Acts 2.14a, 22–32 Psalm 16
Refrain God will not abandon me to the grave.
Or v.10 or Alleluia!
1 Peter 1.3–9 John 20.19–31
336 Easter
B Acts 4.32–35 Psalm 133
Refrain How good it is for all to live together in unity.
Or v.1 or Alleluia!
1 John 1.1—2.2 John 20.19–31
C Acts 5.27–32 Psalm 118.14–29 or Psalm 150

Refrain God has exalted his anointed. Or v.6 or Alleluia!
Revelation 1.4–8 John 20.19–31

God of grace,
you have freed us from our sins
and made us a kingdom in your Son
and strengthen us in the new life you have given us,
Preface of Easter
Father,
we have seen with our eyes
and touched with our hands
the bread of life.
Strengthen our faith
that we may grow in love for you and for each other;
through Jesus Christ the risen Lord.
Third Sunday of Easter

Sentence
Lord Jesus, open to us the scriptures; make our hearts burn
within us while you speak. See Luke 24.32
Easter 337
Collect
O God,
your Son made himself known to his disciples
in the breaking of bread.
Open the eyes of our faith,
that we may see him in his redeeming work,
Readings
A Acts 2.14a, 36–41 Psalm 116.1–3, 10–17
Refrain I will call upon the name of the Lord.
1 Peter 1.17–23 Luke 24.13–35

Refrain The Lord does wonders for the faithful.
Or v.3 or Alleluia!
1 John 3.1–7 Luke 24.36b–48
C Acts 9.1–6, (7–20) Psalm 30

Refrain Remember God’s holiness and praise him.
Or v.4 or Alleluia!

Creator of all,
you wash away our sins in water,
you give us new birth by the Spirit,
and redeem us in the blood of Christ.
As we celebrate the resurrection,
renew your gift of life within us.
Preface of Easter
Author of life divine,
in the breaking of bread we know the risen Lord.
Feed us always in these mysteries,
338 Easter
that we may show your glory to all the world.
Fourth Sunday of Easter

Sentence
I am the good shepherd, says the Lord: I know my own and my
own know me. John 10.14
Collect
O God of peace,
who brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus Christ,
that great shepherd of the sheep,
by the blood of the eternal covenant,
make us perfect in every good work to do your will,
and work in us that which is well-pleasing in your sight;
Readings
A Acts 2.42–47 Psalm 23
Refrain The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not be in want.
Or v.6 or Alleluia!
1 Peter 2.19–25 John 10.1–10

Refrain As Year A
1 John 3.16–24 John 10.11–18
C Acts 9.36–43 Psalm 23

Refrain As Year A

God of loving care,
you spread before us the table of life,
and give us the cup of salvation to drink.
Keep us always in the fold of your Son Jesus Christ,
our Saviour and our shepherd.
Preface of Easter
Easter 339
watch over the Church redeemed by the blood of your Son.
May we who share in these holy mysteries
come safely to your eternal kingdom,
where there is one flock and one shepherd.
Fifth Sunday of Easter

Sentence
A I am the way, the truth, and the life, says the Lord; no one
comes to the Father, but by me. John 14.6
B I am the vine, you are the branches, says the Lord. Those
who abide in me, and I in them, bear much fruit.
John 15.5
C A new commandment I give to you, that you love one
another as I have loved you. John 13.34
Collect
Almighty God,
your Son Jesus Christ is the way, the truth, and the life.
Give us grace to love one another
and walk in the way of his commandments,
Readings
A Acts 7.55–60 Psalm 31.1–5, 15–16
Or v.5 or Alleluia!
1 Peter 2.2–10 John 14.1–14
B Acts 8.26–40 Psalm 22.24–30

Refrain All the ends of the earth shall turn to the Lord.
1 John 4.7–21 John 15.1–8
340 Easter
Refrain The Lord is close to all who call him.

Gracious God,
you show us your way
and give us your divine life.
May everything we do
be directed by the knowledge of your truth.
Preface of Easter
God of love,
in this eucharist we have heard your truth
and shared in your life.
May we always walk in your way,
Sixth Sunday of Easter

Sentence
If you love me, you will keep my word, and my Father will love
you, and we will come to you. See John 14.23
Collect
Merciful God,
you have prepared for those who love you
riches beyond imagination.
Pour into our hearts such love toward you,
that we, loving you above all things,
may obtain your promises,
which exceed all that we can desire;
Easter 341
Readings
A Acts 17.22–31 Psalm 66.7–18
Refrain Be joyful in the Lord, all you lands.
Or v.7 or Alleluia!
1 Peter 3.13–22 John 14.15–21

Refrain The Lord has made known his salvation.
Or v.3 or Alleluia!
1 John 5.1–6 John 15.9–17

Refrain Let all the peoples praise you, O God.
Or v.3 or Alleluia!
Revelation 21.10, 22—22.5 John 14.23–29 or John 5.1–9

God of glory,
and bring us to that eternal city of love and light,
where Christ is King.
Preface of Easter
Father,
you restored us to life
by raising your Son from death.
May we who receive this sacrament
always be strengthened to do your will,
Ascension of the Lord

Sentence
Go and make disciples of all nations, says the Lord; I am with
you always, to the close of the age. Matthew 28.19, 20
342 Ascension
Collect
Almighty God,
your Son Jesus Christ ascended to the throne of heaven
that he might rule over all things as Lord.
Keep the Church in the unity of the Spirit
and in the bond of his peace,
and bring the whole of creation
to worship at his feet,
Readings
Acts 1.1–11 Psalm 47 or Psalm 93
Refrain God has gone up with a shout. Or v.5 or CR 3
Ephesians 1.15–23 Luke 24.44–53

Eternal God,
our Saviour Jesus Christ
has promised to be with us until the end of time.
and renew us in his transfigured life;
Preface of the Ascension
Eternal Giver of love and power,
your Son Jesus Christ has sent us into all the world
to preach the gospel of his kingdom.
Confirm us in this mission,
and help us to live the good news we proclaim;
Ascension 343
Seventh Sunday of Easter
Sentence
I will not leave you desolate, says the Lord; I will come to
you. John 14.18
Collect
Almighty God,
you have exalted your only Son Jesus Christ
with great triumph to your kingdom in heaven.
Mercifully give us faith to know
that, as he promised,
he abides with us on earth to the end of time;
Readings
A Acts 1.6–14 Psalm 68.1–10, 33–36
Refrain Exalt him who rides upon the heavens.
Or v.4 or Alleluia!
1 Peter 4.12–14; 5.6–11 John 17.1–11
B Acts 1.15–17, 21–26 Psalm 1

Refrain Happy are they who trust in the Lord. Or Alleluia!
1 John 5.9–13 John 17.6–19

Refrain Rejoice in the Lord, you righteous.
Revelation 22.12–14, 16–17, 20–21 John 17.20–26

Source of all joy,
receive our sacrifice of praise and thanksgiving.
Keep us in the love of Christ
and bring us to the vision of his glory;
Preface of the Ascension
344 Easter
Eternal God,
may we who share Christ’s banquet
be one with him as he is one with you.
the risen and ascended Lord.

Sentence
Come, Holy Spirit, fill the hearts of your faithful; and kindle in
us the fire of your love.
Collect
who fulfilled the promises of Easter
by sending us your Holy Spirit
and opening to every race and nation
the way of life eternal,
keep us in the unity of your Spirit,
that every tongue may tell of your glory;
Readings
A Acts 2.1–21 or Numbers 11.24–30 Psalm 104.25–35, 37
Refrain Send forth your Spirit, O Lord, and renew the face of the earth.
1 Corinthians 12.3b–13 or Acts 2.1–21 John 20.19–23 or John 7.37–39
B Acts 2.1–21 or Ezekiel 37.1–14 Psalm 104.25–35, 37b

Refrain As Year A
Romans 8.22–27 or Acts 2.1–21 John 15.26–27; 16.4b–15
C Acts 2.1–21 or Genesis 11.1–9 Psalm 104.25–35, 37b

Refrain As Year A
Romans 8.14–17 or Acts 2.1–21 John 14.8–17, (25–27)
Pentecost 345
Giver of life,
receive all we offer you this day.
Let the Spirit you bestow on your Church
continue to work in the world
through the hearts of all who believe.
Preface of Pentecost
Father,
may we who have received this eucharist
live in the unity of your Holy Spirit,
that we may show forth his gifts to all the world.
Trinity Sunday
Sentence
Holy, holy, holy is the Lord of hosts; the whole earth is full of
his glory. Isaiah 6.3
Collect
Father, we praise you:
through your Word and Holy Spirit you created all things.
You reveal your salvation in all the world
by sending to us Jesus Christ, the Word made flesh.
Through your Holy Spirit
you give us a share in your life and love.
Fill us with the vision of your glory,
that we may always serve and praise you,
Father, Son, and Holy Spirit,
346 Trinity
Readings
A Genesis 1.1—2.4a Psalm 8
Refrain Happy the people chosen by the Lord. Or v.12 or CR 1
2 Corinthians 13.11–13 Matthew 28.16–20
B Isaiah 6.1–8 Psalm 29

Refrain Ascribe to the Lord glory and strength. Or v.1 or CR 3
Romans 8.12–17 John 3.1–17
C Proverbs 8.1–4, 22–31 Psalm 8

Refrain O Lord our governor, how exalted is your name in all the
world! Or v.2 or CR 2
Romans 5.1–5 John 16.12–15

Living God,
Grant that hearing your word and responding to your Spirit,
we may share in your divine life.
Preface of the Trinity
may we who have received this eucharist
worship you in all we do,
and proclaim the glory of your majesty.
Propers for the Sundays after Pentecost may be found with other ferial
propers, in numerical order, beginning on p. 354. The dates for their use are
identified.
Trinity 347
The Baptism of the Lord Proper 1
Sentence
A voice came from heaven, saying, “This is my beloved Son
with whom I am well pleased.” Matthew 3.17
Collect
Eternal Father,
who at the baptism of Jesus
revealed him to be your Son,
anointing him with the Holy Spirit,
keep your children, born of water and the Spirit,
faithful to their calling;
Readings
Refrain The Lord shall give his people the blessing of peace.
Or v.11 or CR 1
Acts 10.34–43 Matthew 3.13–17
B Genesis 1.1–5 Psalm 29

Refrain As Year A
Acts 19.1–7 Mark 1.4–11
C Isaiah 43.1–7 Psalm 29

Refrain As Year A
Acts 8.14–17 Luke 3.15–17, 21–22

God of life and freedom,
we celebrate the revelation of Jesus
as the Christ who makes all creation new.
and make us new in him,
who is Lord for ever and ever.
Third Preface of the Lord’s Day
348 Baptism of the Lord

Gracious God, lover of all,
by this sacrament
you make us one family in Christ your Son,
one in the sharing of his body and blood,
one in the communion of his Spirit.
Help us to grow in love for one another
and come to the full maturity of the Body of Christ.
Second Sunday after Epiphany Proper 2

Sentence
A The Word of God became flesh and dwelt among us. To
all who receive him, he gave power to become children of
God. See John 1
B We have found the Messiah: Jesus Christ, who brings us
truth and grace. See John 1
C Jesus manifested his glory, and his disciples believed in
him. John 2.11
Collect
Almighty God,
your Son our Saviour Jesus Christ
is the light of the world.
May your people,
illumined by your word and sacraments,
shine with the radiance of his glory,
that he may be known, worshipped, and obeyed
to the ends of the earth;
Readings
A Isaiah 49.1–7 Psalm 40.1–12
Refrain Behold, I come to do your will, O God. Or v.8
After Epiphany 349

B 1 Samuel 3.1–10, (11–20) Psalm 139.1–5, 12–17
Refrain My soul thirsts for you, O God, my God. Or v.8 or CR 6
C Isaiah 62.1–5 Psalm 36.5–10

Refrain We feast on the riches of your house, O Lord.
Or v.8 or CR 1

Living God,
you have revealed your Son as the Messiah.
May we hear his word and follow it,
and live as children of light.
Preface of the Lord’s Day
God of glory,
you nourish us with bread from heaven.
Fill us with your Holy Spirit,
that through us your light may shine in all the world.
We ask this in the name of Jesus Christ.
Third Sunday after Epiphany Proper 3

Sentence
A Jesus preached the gospel of the kingdom and healed
every infirmity among the people. See Matthew 4.23
B The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at
hand; repent, and believe in the gospel. Mark 1.15
C The Lord has anointed me to preach good news to the
poor and release to the captives. Luke 4.18
350 After Epiphany

Collect
Almighty God,
by grace alone you call us
and accept us in your service.
Strengthen us by your Spirit,
and make us worthy of your call;
Readings
A Isaiah 9.1–4 Psalm 27.1, 5–13
Refrain The Lord is my light and salvation. Or v.1 or CR 1
B Jonah 3.1–5, 10 Psalm 62.6–14

Refrain Take refuge in God, all you people. Or v.9 or CR 1
C Nehemiah 8.1–3, 5–6, 8–10 Psalm 19

Or v.8 or CR 1
1 Corinthians 12.12–31a Luke 4.14–21

Loving God,
before the world began you called us.
Make holy all we offer you this day,
and strengthen us in that calling.
Gracious God,
our hands have taken holy things;
our lives have been nourished by the body of your Son.
May we who have eaten at this holy table
be strengthened for service in your world.
After Epiphany 351

Fourth Sunday after Epiphany Proper 4
Sentence
A Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven.
Matthew 5.12
B Jesus went about Galilee, teaching, preaching, and
healing every disease. See Matthew 4.23
C The Lord has anointed me to preach good news to the
Collect
Living God,
in Christ you make all things new.
Transform the poverty of our nature
by the riches of your grace,
and in the renewal of our lives
make known your glory;
Readings
A Micah 6.1–8 Psalm 15
Refrain Put your trust in the Lord and do good. Or v.3 or CR 4
B Deuteronomy 18.15–20 Psalm 111

Refrain The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom.

Refrain From my mother’s womb you have been my strength.
Or v.6 or CR 5
352 After Epiphany

may our offering this day,
by the power of your Holy Spirit,
renew us for your service.
Source of all goodness,
in this eucharist
we are nourished by the bread of heaven
and invigorated with new wine.
May these gifts renew our lives,
that we may show your glory to all the world,
Fifth Sunday after Epiphany Proper 5

Sentence
AC I am the light of the world, says the Lord. Those who
follow me will not walk in darkness, but will have the
light of life. John 8.12
B He took our infirmities and bore our diseases.
Matthew 8.17
Collect
Merciful Lord,
grant to your faithful people pardon and peace,
that we may be cleansed from all our sins
and serve you with a quiet mind;
After Epiphany 353

Readings
A Isaiah 58.1–9a, (9b–12) Psalm 112.1–9, (10)
Refrain The righteous are merciful and full of compassion.
Or v.4 or Alleluia!
1 Corinthians 2.1–12, (13–16) Matthew 5.13–20
B Isaiah 40.21–31 Psalm 147.1–12, 21c

Refrain Praise the Lord who heals the broken-hearted.
Or v.3 or Alleluia!
C Isaiah 6.1–8, (9–13) Psalm 138

Refrain The Lord will make good his purpose for me.
Or v.4 or Alleluia!

God of compassion and forgiveness,
receive our offering this day,
and make us one with him who is our peace,
Eternal God,
in you we find peace beyond all telling.
May we who share in this heavenly banquet
be instruments of your peace on earth,
Sixth Sunday after Epiphany *

or between 8 and 14 May Proper 6
Sentence
A Blessed is our Father, Lord of heaven and earth, who has
revealed these things to the simple.
*If the Sunday before Ash Wednesday is the Sixth, Seventh, Eighth, or Ninth Sunday
after Epiphany, it may be replaced by the Last Sunday after Epiphany (p. 397).
354 After Epiphany/Pentecost

B A great prophet has arisen among us! God has visited his
people! Luke 7.16
C Rejoice and leap for joy, for behold, your reward is great
in heaven. Luke 6.23
Collect
whose Son Jesus Christ healed the sick
and restored them to wholeness of life,
look with compassion on the anguish of the world,
and by your power make whole all peoples and nations;
Readings
A Deuteronomy 30.15–20 or Sirach 15.15–20 Psalm 119.1–8
Refrain Happy are they who walk in the law of the Lord.
Or v.1 or CR 1
B 2 Kings 5.1–14 Psalm 30

Refrain You surround me with shouts of deliverance, O Lord.
Or v.8 or CR 1
C Jeremiah 17.5–10 Psalm 1

Refrain Happy are they who trust in the Lord. Or CR 4

Eternal God,
you are the strength of the weak
and the comfort of sufferers,
receive all we offer you this day;
turn our sickness into health
and our sorrow into joy.
After Epiphany/Pentecost 355

God of tender care,
in this eucharist we celebrate your love
for us and for all people.
May we show your love in our lives
and know its fulfilment in your presence.
Seventh Sunday after Epiphany *

Sentence
A Whoever keeps the word of Christ grows perfect in love
for God. See 1 John 2.5
B The Lord has anointed me to preach good news to
the poor and release to the captives. Luke 4.18
C A new commandment I give to you, that you love
one another as I have loved you. John 13.34
Collect
Almighty God,
your Son revealed in signs and miracles
the wonder of your saving love.
Renew your people with your heavenly grace,
and in all our weakness
sustain us by your mighty power;
Readings
A Leviticus 19.1–2, 9–18 Psalm 119.33–40
Refrain Take refuge in God, all you people. Or v.9 or CR 1
1 Corinthians 3.10–11, 16–23 Matthew 5.38–48

B Isaiah 43.18–25 Psalm 41
Refrain Heal me, for I have sinned against you. Or v.4 or CR 4
C Genesis 45.3–11, 15 Psalm 37.1–12, 41–42

Refrain Put your trust in the Lord and do good. Or v.3 or CR 5
1 Corinthians 15.35–38, 42–50 Luke 6.27–38

Merciful God,
accept all we offer you this day.
Lead us to love you with all our heart,
and to love all people with your perfect love.
We ask this in the name of Jesus Christ.
Gracious God,
in the eucharist we celebrate your love
for us and for all people.
Grant that strengthened by these holy gifts,
we may show your love in our lives,
and know its fulfilment in your presence.
Eighth Sunday after Epiphany *

Sentence
A The word of God is living and active. It sifts the thoughts
and intentions of the heart. Hebrews 4.12
B The Father brought us forth by the word of truth that we
should be a kind of first fruits of his creatures. James 1.18
C Shine as lights in the world, holding fast the word of
life. See Philippians 2.15, 16

Collect
Almighty God,
grant us the Spirit to think and do always
those things that are right,
that we who can do nothing good without you,
may live according to your holy will;
Readings
A Isaiah 49.8–16a Psalm 131
Refrain Instruct me in your statutes, O Lord. Or v.33 or CR 1
B Hosea 2.14–20 Psalm 103.1–13, 22

Refrain The Lord is full of compassion and mercy. Or v.8 or CR 6
C Sirach 27.4–7 or Isaiah 55.10–13 Psalm 92.1–4, 11–14

Refrain The righteous shall flourish like a palm tree. Or v.11 or CR 1

Merciful God,
your word inspires us to bring an offering of our love.
May we always be ready to work according to your will.
We ask this in the name of Jesus Christ, the Lord.
Faithful God,
as we are nourished by heavenly food,
may we live according to your will
and show the fruits of your love.

Ninth Sunday after Epiphany *
or between 29 May and 4 June Proper 9
Sentence
A I am the vine, and you are the branches, says the Lord.
Those who abide in me, and I in them, bear much fruit.
John 15.5
B Your word, O Lord, is truth; sanctify us in the truth.
John 17.17
C God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, that
Collect
Lord God of the nations,
you have revealed your will to all people
and promised us your saving help.
May we hear and do what you command,
that the darkness may be overcome
by the power of your light;
through your Son Jesus Christ our Lord,
now and for ever.
Readings
A Deuteronomy 11.18–21, 26–28 Psalm 31.1–5, 19–24
or after Trinity Sunday: Genesis 6.9–22; 7.24; 8.14–19 Psalm 46
Refrain Let your loving-kindness be upon us, O Lord. Or v.22 or CR 4
Romans 1.16–17; 3.22b–28, (29–31) Matthew 7.21–29
B Deuteronomy 5.12–15 Psalm 81.1–10

or after Trinity Sunday: 1 Samuel 3.1–10, (11–20) Psalm 139.1–5, 12–17
Refrain The Lord gives victory to his anointed. Or v.6 or CR 7
2 Corinthians 4.5–12 Mark 2.23—3.6
C 1 Kings 8.22–23, 41–43 Psalm 96.1–9

or after Trinity Sunday: 1 Kings 18.20–21, (22–29), 30–39 Psalm 96
Refrain The Lord is good; his mercy is everlasting. Or v.4 or CR 1

Eternal God,
Give us the wisdom of obedience
and help us to do your holy and life-giving will;
Eternal God,
you have fed us at the table of your grace.
Deliver us from all spiritual pride,
and give us a quiet confidence in your mercy.
Sunday between 5 and 11 June Proper 10

Sentence
A The Lord has anointed me to preach good news to the
B The ruler of this world shall now be cast out; and when I
am lifted up from the earth, I will draw all people to
myself. John 12.31, 32
C A great prophet has arisen among us! God has visited his
people! Luke 7.16
Collect
O God,
you have assured the human family of eternal life
through Jesus Christ our Saviour.
Deliver us from the death of sin
and raise us to new life in him,
360 After Pentecost

Readings
A Genesis 12.1–9 Psalm 33.1–12
Refrain I will sing to the Lord, for he has dealt with me richly.
Or v.6 or CR 6
Romans 4.13–25 Matthew 9.9–13, 18–26
B 1 Samuel 8.4–11, (12–15), 16–20, (11.14–15) Psalm 138

Refrain In the shadow of your wings will I take refuge.
Or v.1 or CR 8
2 Corinthians 4.13—5.1 Mark 3.20–35
C 1 Kings 17.8–16, (17–24) Psalm 146

Refrain Praise the name of the Lord. Or v.8 or CR 2

Merciful God and Father,
in Adam’s fall we were born to death;
in the new Adam we are reborn to life.
In all we offer you this day
may we share a taste of your eternal kingdom.
O God,
we have shared in the mysteries
Nourish us by this feast,
that we may live the risen life
and serve you faithfully in the world.

Sentence
A The kingdom of God is at hand; repent, and believe in the
gospel. Mark 1.15
After Pentecost 361

B Quietly accept the message planted in your hearts; it can
bring you salvation. James 1.21
C In this is love, that God loved us and sent his Son to be the
expiation for our sins. 1 John 4.10
Collect
Almighty God,
without you we are not able to please you.
Mercifully grant that your Holy Spirit
may in all things direct and rule our hearts;
Readings
A Genesis 18.1–15, (21.1–7) Psalm 116.1, 10–17
Refrain The God of Jacob is our stronghold. Or v.4 or CR 1
Romans 5.1–8 Matthew 9.35—10.8, (9–23)
B 1 Samuel 15.34—16.13 Psalm 20

Refrain The God of Jacob is our stronghold. Or v.4 or CR 1
2 Corinthians 5.6–10, (11–13), 14–17 Mark 4.26–34
C 1 Kings 21.1–10, (11–14), 15–21a Psalm 5.1–8

Refrain When shall I come to appear before the presence of God?
Or v.6 or CR 4
Galatians 2.15–21 Luke 7.36—8.3

God of reconciliation and forgiveness,
the saving work of Christ has made our peace with you.
May that work grow toward its perfection
in all we offer you this day.
362 After Pentecost

Holy and blessed God,
as you give us the body and blood of your Son,
guide us with your Holy Spirit,
that we may honour you not only with our lips
but also in our lives.
This we ask in the name of Jesus Christ our Lord.

Sentence
A The Spirit of truth will bear witness to me, says the Lord;
and you also are witnesses. John 15.26, 27
people! Luke 7.16
C My sheep hear my voice, says the Lord; I know them and
they follow me. John 10.27
Collect
O God our defender,
storms rage about us and cause us to be afraid.
Rescue your people from despair,
deliver your sons and daughters from fear,
and preserve us all from unbelief;
through your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord,
one God, now and ever.
Readings
A Genesis 21.8–21 Psalm 86.1–10, 16–17
Refrain My God in whom I put my trust. Or v.2 or CR 4
Romans 6.1b–11 Matthew 10.24–39
B 1 Samuel 17.(1a, 4–11, 19–23), 32–49 Psalm 9.9–20

or 1 Samuel 17.57—18.5, 10–16 Psalm 133
Refrain God shall be our guide for evermore. Or v.1 or CR 1
After Pentecost 363

C 1 Kings 19.1–4, (5–7), 8–15a Psalm 42 and 43
Refrain Bring me to your holy hill and to your dwelling.
Or v.3 or CR 4

Eternal God,
you have made our Saviour Jesus Christ
the head of all creation.
and renew us in his risen life,
Almighty God,
guide and protect your people
who share in this sacred mystery,
and keep us always in your love;
Sunday between 26 June and 2 July Proper 13

Sentence
A You are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation,
that you may declare the wonderful deeds of him who
called you out of darkness into his marvellous light.
1 Peter 2.9
B Our Saviour Jesus Christ has abolished death, and
brought life and immortality to light through the gospel.
2 Timothy 1.10
C Speak Lord, for your servant is listening: you have the
words of eternal life. See 1 Samuel 3.9; John 6.68
364 After Pentecost

Collect
Almighty God,
you have taught us through your Son
that love fulfils the law.
May we love you with all our heart,
all our soul, all our mind, and all our strength,
and may we love our neighbour as ourselves;
Readings
A Genesis 22.1–14 Psalm 13
Refrain Show me your marvellous loving-kindness, O Saviour of those
who take refuge at your right hand. Or v.16 or CR 4
B 2 Samuel 1.1, 17–27 Psalm 130

Refrain Lift up your heads, O gates; and the King of glory shall come in.
Or v.7 or CR 2
C 2 Kings 2.1–2, 6–14 Psalm 77.1–2, 11–20

Refrain You drove the nations out and made your people flourish.
Or v.8 or CR 2
Galatians 5.1, 13–25 Luke 9.51–62

God of wisdom,
Enrich our lives with the gifts of your Spirit,
that we may follow the way of our Lord Jesus Christ,
and serve one another in freedom.
After Pentecost 365

God of power,
we are nourished by the riches of your grace.
Raise us to new life in your Son Jesus Christ
and fit us for his eternal kingdom,
that all the world may call him Lord.
Sunday between 3 and 9 July Proper 14

Sentence
A Blessed is our Father, Lord of heaven and earth, who has
revealed these things to the simple.
B The Lord has anointed me to preach good news to the
C Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts; let the word of
Christ dwell in you richly. Colossians 3.15, 16
Collect
Almighty God,
your Son Jesus Christ has taught us
that what we do for the least of your children
we do also for him.
Give us the will to serve others
as he was the servant of all,
who gave up his life and died for us,
but lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit,
Readings
A Genesis 24.34–38, 42–49, 58–67 Psalm 45.11–18 or Song of Solomon 2.8–13
Refrain Our help is in the name of the Lord. Or v.8 or CR 5
Romans 7.15–25a Matthew 11.16–19, 25–30
B 2 Samuel 5.1–5, 9–10 Psalm 48

Refrain I will keep my love for him for ever. Or v.28 or CR 6
366 After Pentecost

C 2 Kings 5.1–14 Psalm 30
Refrain Evil cannot dwell with you, my God. Or v.4 or CR 5
Galatians 6.(1–6), 7–16 Luke 10.1–11, 16–20

God of heaven and earth,
receive our sacrifice of praise,
and strengthen us
for the perfect freedom of your service,
through our Saviour Jesus Christ.
O God,
may we who have shared in holy things
never fail to serve you in your world,
and so come to the fullness of joy,

Sentence
AB The word is very near you; it is in your mouth and in your
heart, so that you can do it. Deuteronomy 30.14
C The words you have spoken are spirit and life, O Lord;
you have the words of eternal life. See John 6.63, 68
Collect
Almighty God,
you have made us for yourself,
and our hearts are restless
until they find their rest in you.
May we find peace in your service,
and in the world to come, see you face to face;
After Pentecost 367

Readings
A Genesis 25.19–34 Psalm 119.105–112
Refrain Answer me, O Lord, for your love is kind. Or v.18 or CR 5
Romans 8.1–11 Matthew 13.1–9, 18–23
B 2 Samuel 6.1–5, 12b–19 Psalm 24

Refrain The Lord will dwell in Zion for ever. Or v.14 or CR 8
Ephesians 1.3–14 Mark 6.14–29
C Amos 7.7–17 Psalm 82

Refrain Lord, your hand will hold me fast. Or v.8, 9 or CR 2

Father,
your word creates in us a yearning for your kingdom.
Receive all we offer you this day, and keep us in your peace;
for the sake of Jesus Christ the Lord.
Living God,
in this sacrament we have shared in your eternal kingdom.
May we who taste this mystery
forever serve you in faith, hope, and love.

Sentence
A My word shall accomplish that which I purpose, and
prosper in the thing for which I sent it. Isaiah 55.11
B My sheep hear my voice, says the Lord; I know them and
C Blessed are they who hold the word fast in an honest and
good heart, and bring forth fruit with patience.
See Luke 8.15
368 After Pentecost

Collect
Almighty God,
your Son has opened for us
a new and living way into your presence.
Give us pure hearts and constant wills
to worship you in spirit and in truth;
Readings
A Genesis 28.10–19a Psalm 139.1–11, 22–23
Refrain The Lord is full of compassion and mercy.
Or v.7 or CR 6
Romans 8.12–25 Matthew 13.24–30, 36–43
B 2 Samuel 7.1–14a Psalm 89.20–37

Refrain God looks down from heaven upon us all. Or v.2 or CR 5
Ephesians 2.11–22 Mark 6.30–34, 53–56
C Amos 8.1–12 Psalm 52

Refrain Your works are wonderful, O Lord. Or v.13 or CR 2

O God,
accept our praise and thanksgiving.
Help us in all we do
to offer ourselves as a true and living sacrifice;
O God,
as we are strengthened in these holy mysteries,
may our lives be a continual offering,
holy and acceptable in your sight;
After Pentecost 369

Sentence
A Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal
life. John 6.68
people! Luke 7.16
C When we cry, “Abba, Father!” it is the Spirit of God
bearing witness with our spirit that we are children of
God. Romans 8.15, 16
Collect
O God,
the protector of all who trust in you,
without whom nothing is strong, nothing is holy,
increase and multiply upon us your mercy,
that with you as our ruler and guide,
we may so pass through things temporal,
that we lose not the things eternal;
Readings
A Genesis 29.15–28 Psalm 105.1–11, 45c or Psalm 128
Refrain The Lord has always been mindful of his covenant.
Or v.8 or Alleluia!
Romans 8.26–39 Matthew 13.31–33, 44–52
B 2 Samuel 11.1–15 Psalm 14

Refrain O Lord, you forgave me the guilt of my sin.
Or v.6 or CR 6
C Hosea 1.2–10 Psalm 85

Refrain He asked you for life, and you gave it to him.
Or v.4 or CR 2
Colossians 2.6–15, (16–19) Luke 11.1–13
370 After Pentecost

God of grace,
as we look toward the glory you have promised.
God of grace,
we have received the memorial
of the death and resurrection of your Son.
May your love, poured into us,
bring us to your promises.
We ask this in the name of our Redeemer Jesus Christ.
Sunday between 31 July and 6 August Proper 18

Sentence
AB We do not live by bread alone, but by every word that
comes from the mouth of God. Matthew 4.4
C Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of
heaven. Matthew 5.3
Collect
Almighty God,
your Son Jesus Christ fed the hungry
with the bread of his life
and the word of his kingdom.
Renew your people with your heavenly grace,
and in all our weakness
sustain us by your true and living bread,
After Pentecost 371

Readings
A Genesis 32.22–31 Psalm 17.1–7, 16
Refrain Deliver us from our enemy, O Lord. Or v.9 or CR 5
B 2 Samuel 11.26—12.13a Psalm 51.1–13

Refrain Turn from evil and do good. Or v.14 or CR 5
C Hosea 11.1–11 Psalm 107.1–9, 43

Refrain The Lord is the strength of his people. Or v.10 or CR 8

God our sustainer,
and feed us continually with that bread
which satisfies all hunger,
your Son our Saviour Jesus Christ.
God of grace,
we have shared in the mystery
May we who have tasted the bread of life
live with you for ever.
Sunday between 7 and 13 August Proper 19

Sentence
A I wait for the Lord; in his word is my hope. Psalm 130.4
B I am the living bread which came down from heaven, says
the Lord; anyone who eats this bread will live for ever.
John 6.51
372 After Pentecost

C Watch and be ready, for you do not know on what day
your Lord is coming. Matthew 24.42, 44
Collect
Almighty God,
you sent your Holy Spirit
to be the life and light of your Church.
Open our hearts to the riches of your grace,
that we may bring forth the fruit of the Spirit
in love, joy, and peace;
Readings
A Genesis 37.1–4, 12–28 Psalm 105.1–6, 16–22, 45c
Refrain I will sing to the Lord for his glorious triumph.
Or v.8 or CR 3
B 2 Samuel 18.5–9, 15, 31–33 Psalm 130

Refrain Do not hide your face from me. Or v.1 or CR 5
Ephesians 4.25—5.2 John 6.35, 41–51
C Isaiah 1.1, 10–20 Psalm 50.1–8, 23–24

Refrain The Lord looks down from heaven upon us all.
Or v.2 or CR 5
Hebrews 11.1–3, 8–16 Luke 12.32–40

Father,
and grant that in this eucharist
we may be enriched by the gifts of the Spirit.
After Pentecost 373

Eternal God,
grant to your Church the unity and peace
that we have tasted in this eucharist,
the fruit of your life-giving Spirit.

Sentence
A Jesus preached the gospel of the kingdom and healed
every infirmity among the people. See Matthew 4.23
B Those who eat my flesh and drink my blood abide in me
and I in them, says the Lord. John 6.56
C My sheep hear my voice, says the Lord; I know them and
Collect
Almighty God,
you have broken the tyranny of sin
and sent into our hearts the Spirit of your Son.
Give us grace to dedicate our freedom to your service,
that all people may know the glorious liberty
of the children of God;
Readings
A Genesis 45.1–15 Psalm 133
Refrain The Lord gave them bread from heaven. Or v.24 or CR 1
Romans 11.1–2a, 29–32 Matthew 15.(10–20), 21–28
374 After Pentecost

B 1 Kings 2.10–12; 3.3–14 Psalm 111
Refrain Hide not your face from me in the day of my trouble.
Or v.1 or CR 5
C Isaiah 5.1–7 Psalm 80.1–2, 8–18

Refrain Rise up, O Lord; do not forget the afflicted.
Or v.12 or CR 8
Hebrews 11.29—12.2 Luke 12.49–56

Loving God and Father,
you have adopted us to be your heirs.
and give us grace to live as faithful children.
Eternal God,
we have received a token of your promise.
May we who have been nourished by holy things
live as faithful heirs of your promised kingdom,

Sentence
A Jesus is the Christ, the Son of the living God.
Matthew 16.16
B Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal
life. John 6.68
C I am the way, the truth, and the life, says the Lord; no one
comes to the Father, but by me. John 14.6
After Pentecost 375

Collect
Almighty God,
we are taught by your word
that all our doings without love are worth nothing.
Send your Holy Spirit and pour into our hearts
that most excellent gift of love,
the true bond of peace and of all virtue;
Readings
A Exodus 1.8—2.10 Psalm 124
Refrain Oh, that today you would hearken to his voice!
Or v.8 or CR 8
B 1 Kings 8.(1, 6, 10–11), 22–30, 41–43 Psalm 84

Refrain Let the peoples praise you, O God. Or v.3 or CR 1

Refrain Happy are the people whose strength is in you!
Or v.4 or CR 8
Hebrews 12.18–29 Luke 13.10–17

God of glory,
receive all we offer this day as a symbol of our love,
and increase in us that true and perfect gift.
Living God,
increase in us the healing power of your love.
Guide and direct us
that we may please you in all things,
376 After Pentecost

Sunday between 28 August and 3 September Proper 22
Sentence
A May the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ enlighten the eyes
of our hearts, that we may know what is the hope to
which he has called us. See Ephesians 1.17, 18
B The Father brought us forth by the word of truth that we
should be a kind of first fruits of his creatures. James 1.18
C Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me; for I am
gentle and lowly in heart. Matthew 11.29
Collect
Author and Giver of all good things,
graft in our hearts the love of your name,
increase in us true religion,
nourish us in all goodness,
and of your great mercy keep us in the same;
Readings
A Exodus 3.1–15 Psalm 105.1–6, 23–26, 45c
Refrain Alleluia! Or v.2
B Song of Solomon 2.8–13 Psalm 45.1–2, 7–10

Refrain The Lord himself watches over you. Or v.7 or CR 8
James 1.17–27 Mark 7.1–8, 14–15, 21–23
C Jeremiah 2.4–13 Psalm 81.1, 10–16

Refrain Those who lead a blameless life will dwell in the presence of
the Lord. Or v.1 or CR 6
Hebrews 13.1–8, 15–16 Luke 14.1, 7–14
After Pentecost 377

Merciful God,
Give us grace to love one another
that your love may be made perfect in us.
Almighty God,
you renew us at your table with the bread of life.
May your holy food strengthen us in love
and help us to serve you in each other.
Sunday between 4 and 10 September Proper 23

Sentence
A God was in Christ reconciling the world to himself, and he
has entrusted us with the message of reconciliation.
2 Corinthians 5.19
B Jesus preached the gospel of the kingdom and healed
every infirmity among the people. Matthew 4.23
C Let your countenance shine upon your servant and teach
me your statutes. Psalm 119.135
Collect
Stir up, O Lord,
the wills of your faithful people,
that richly bearing the fruit of good works,
we may by you be richly rewarded;
378 After Pentecost

Readings
A Exodus 12.1–14 Psalm 149
Refrain Not to us, O Lord, but to your name give glory.
Or v.1 or Alleluia!
B Proverbs 22.1–2, 8–9, 22–23 Psalm 125

Refrain Teach me your statutes, O Lord. Or v.135 or CR 8
James 2.1–10, (11–13), 14–17 Mark 7.24–37
C Jeremiah 18.1–11 Psalm 139.1–5, 12–17

Refrain Happy are they whom you instruct, O Lord.
Or v.12 or CR 8
Philemon 1–21 Luke 14.25–33

Great and holy God,
accept our offering of labour and love.
May we bring you true and spiritual worship
and be one with you.
Father,
your word and sacrament give us food and life.
May we who have shared in holy things
bear fruit to your honour and glory,

Sentence
A A new commandment I give to you, that you love one
another as I have loved you. John 13.34
After Pentecost 379

B I do not glory except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ,
by which the world has been crucified to me, and I to the
world. Galatians 6.14
C There is joy before the angels of God over one sinner who
repents. Luke 15.10
Collect
Almighty God,
you call your Church to witness
that in Christ we are reconciled to you.
Help us so to proclaim the good news of your love,
that all who hear it may turn to you;
Readings
A Exodus 14.19–31 Psalm114 or Exodus 15.1b–11, 20–21 *
Or v.8 or CR 1
B Proverbs 1.20–33 Psalm 19 or Wisdom of Solomon 7.26—8.1 †

Refrain Those who trust in the Lord stand fast for ever.
Or v.1 or CR 8
James 3:1–12 Mark 8.27–38
C Jeremiah 4.11–12, 22–28 Psalm14

Refrain I will remember the works of the Lord. Or v.11 or CR 8
1 Timothy 1.12–17 Luke 15.1–10

Holy God,
May we who are reconciled at this table
bring wholeness to our broken world.
* See Canticle 1. † As canticle.
380 After Pentecost

God of peace,
in this eucharist we have been reconciled
to you and to our neighbours.
always have the courage to forgive.

Sentence
A Open our hearts, O Lord, to give heed to what is said by
your Son.
B God has called us through the gospel, so that we may
obtain the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ.
See 2 Thessalonians 2.14
C You know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though
he was rich, yet for your sake he became poor, so that by
his poverty you might become rich. 2 Corinthians 8.9
Collect
Almighty God,
you have created the heavens and the earth,
and ourselves in your image.
Teach us to discern your hand in all your works
and to serve you with reverence and thanksgiving;
Readings
A Exodus 16.2–15 Psalm 105.1–6, 37–45
Refrain Remember me, O Lord, with the love you have for your
people. Or v.4 or CR 8
Philippians 1.21–30 Matthew 20.1–16
After Pentecost 381

B Proverbs 31.10–31 Psalm 1
Refrain The Lord is my light and my salvation. Or v.1 or CR 8
James 3.13—4.3, 7–8a Mark 9.30–37
C Jeremiah 8.18—9.1 Psalm 79.1–9

Refrain Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good. Or v.1
1 Timothy 2.1–7 Luke 16.1–13

God of power,
the glory of your works fills us with wonder and awe.
Accept our offering this day,
and help us to live in peace and harmony
with all your creation,
Ruler of the universe,
all creation yearns for its fulfilment in your Son.
grow into maturity in him.
This we ask in the name of the same Jesus Christ our Lord.
Sunday between 25 September and 1 October Proper 26

Sentence
A My sheep hear my voice, says the Lord; I know them and
B Your word, O Lord, is truth; sanctify us in the truth.
John 17.17
C You know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though
he was rich, yet for your sake he became poor, so that by
his poverty you might become rich. 2 Corinthians 8.9
382 After Pentecost

Collect
Grant, O merciful God,
that your Church,
being gathered by your Holy Spirit into one,
may show forth your power among all peoples,
to the glory of your name;
Readings
A Exodus 17.1–7 Psalm 78.1–4, 12–16
Refrain The Lord our God is the Holy One. Or v.1 or CR 4
B Esther 7.1–6, 9–10; 9.20–22 Psalm 124

Refrain Hide not your face from me, O Lord. Or v.12 or CR 5
James 5.13–20 Mark 9.38–50
C Jeremiah 32.1–3a, 6–15 Psalm 91.1–6, 14–16

Refrain Give thanks to the Lord for he is good.
1 Timothy 6.6–19 Luke 16.19–31

Eternal God,
in Jesus Christ we behold your glory.
Receive the offering of your people gathered before you,
and open our hearts and mouths
to praise your great salvation,
the same Jesus Christ our Lord.
Father in heaven,
strengthen the unity of your Church,
so that we who have been fed with holy things
may fulfil your will in the world.
After Pentecost 383

Sunday between 2 and 8 October Proper 27
Sentence
A I chose you and appointed you, says the Lord, that you
should go and bear fruit, fruit that will last. John 15.16
B If we love one another, God abides in us and his love is
perfected in us. 1 John 4.12
C The word of the Lord abides for ever. That word is the good
news which was preached to you. 1 Peter 1.25
Collect
Almighty God,
you have built your Church
on the foundation of the apostles and prophets,
Jesus Christ himself being the chief cornerstone.
Join us together in unity of spirit by their teaching,
that we may become a holy temple, acceptable to you;
Readings
A Exodus 20.1–4, 7–9, 12–20 Psalm 19
Refrain Sing with joy to God our strength. Or v.1 or CR 3
Philippians 3.4b–14 Matthew 21.33–46
B Job 1.1; 2.1–10 Psalm 26

Refrain May the Lord bless you all the days of your life.
Or v.5 or CR 2
Hebrews 1.1–4; 2.5–12 Mark 10.2–16
C Lamentations 1.1–6 Lamentations 3.19–26 (as canticle) or Psalm 137

Refrain I will sing of mercy and justice. Or v.1 or CR 3
2 Timothy 1.1–14 Luke 17.5–10

God of truth,
384 After Pentecost

Make us worthy servants,
strong to follow in the pattern
of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.
Almighty God,
may we who have been strengthened by this eucharist
remain in your steadfast love,
and show in our lives
the saving mystery that we celebrate.

Sentence
A May the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ enlighten the eyes
of our hearts, that we may know what is the hope to
which he has called us. See Ephesians 1.17, 18
B Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of
heaven. Matthew 5.3
C Give thanks in all circumstances, for this is the will of God
in Christ Jesus for you. 1 Thessalonians 5.18
Collect
Almighty God,
in our baptism you adopted us for your own.
Quicken, we pray, your Spirit within us,
that we, being renewed both in body and mind,
may worship you in sincerity and truth;
After Pentecost 385

Readings
A Exodus 32.1–14 Psalm 106.1–6, 19–23
Refrain Give thanks to the Lord for he is good.
Or v.3 or Alleluia!
B Job 23.1–9, 16–17 Psalm 22.1–15

Refrain Teach us to number our days. Or v.12 or CR 5
Hebrews 4.12–16 Mark 10.17–31
C Jeremiah 29.1, 4–7 Psalm 66.1–11

Refrain Do not sweep me away with sinners. Or v.9 or CR 8
2 Timothy 2.8–15 Luke 17.11–19

God of constant love,
in this eucharist you renew the covenant
made once with us in baptism.
As you are faithful in all things
may we, in our offering,
be faithful to our calling.
Faithful God,
in baptism and eucharist we are made one with you.
always bear witness to your covenant,

Sentence
A Shine as lights in the world, holding fast the word of
life. See Philippians 2.15, 16
B The Son of man came also not to be served but to serve,
and to give his life as a ransom for many. Mark 10.45
386 After Pentecost

C The word of God is living and active; it sifts the thoughts
and intentions of the heart. Hebrews 4.12
Collect
increase in us your gift of faith,
that forsaking what lies behind
and reaching out to what is before,
we may run the way of your commandments
and win the crown of everlasting joy;
Readings
A Exodus 33.12–23 Psalm 99
Refrain Happy are they who have the God of Jacob for their help.
Or v.4 or Alleluia!
1 Thessalonians 1.1–10 Matthew 22.15–22
B Job 38.1–7, (34–41) Psalm 104.1–9, 25, 37b

Refrain O Lord, be not far from me. Or v.23 or CR 5
Hebrews 5.1–10 Mark 10.35–45
C Jeremiah 31.27–34 Psalm 119.97–104

Refrain Grant me understanding, that I may live.
Or v.144 or CR 8
2 Timothy 3.14—4.5 Luke 18.1–8

Eternal God,
your word inspires our faith.
May we who offer you our praise
trust you in all things.
After Pentecost 387

God of peace,
you have nourished us in this sacrament
with the body and blood of Christ.
May we who have taken holy things
keep faith in our hearts and lives,

Sentence
A If you love me, you will keep my word, and my Father
will love you, and we will come to you. John 14.23
B Our Saviour Jesus Christ has abolished death, and
brought life and immortality to light through the gospel.
2 Timothy 1.10
C God was in Christ reconciling the world to himself, and he
has entrusted us with the message of reconciliation.
2 Corinthians 5.19
Collect
Lord God our redeemer,
who heard the cry of your people
and sent your servant Moses
to lead them out of slavery,
free us from the tyranny of sin and death,
and by the leading of your Spirit
bring us to our promised land;
Readings
A Deuteronomy 34.1–12 Psalm 90.1–6, 13–17
388 After Pentecost

B Job 42.1–6, 10–17 Psalm 34.1–8, (19–22)
Hebrews 7.23–28 Mark 10.46–52
C Joel 2.23–32 Psalm 65

Refrain Deliverance belongs to the Lord. Or v.8 or CR 8
2 Timothy 4.6–8, 16–18 Luke 18.9–14

God of constant love,
you have guided your people
in all times and ages.
May we who offer you our praise today
always be ready to follow where you lead;
we ask this in the name of Jesus Christ our Lord.
God our guide,
you have fed us with bread from heaven
as you fed the people of Israel.
May we who have been inwardly nourished
be ready to follow you all our days;
we ask this in the name of Jesus Christ our Lord.
Sunday between 30 October and 5 November Proper 31

Sentence
A You have one Father, who is in heaven. You have one
teacher, the Christ. Matthew 23.9, 10
B If you love me, you will keep my word, and my Father
will love you, and we will come to you. John 14.23
C God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, that
After Pentecost 389

Collect
Almighty God,
whose chosen servant Abraham obeyed your call,
rejoicing in your promise
that in him the family of the earth is blessed,
give us faith like his,
that in us your promises may be fulfilled;
Readings
A Joshua 3.7–17 Psalm 107.1–7, 33–37
B Ruth 1.1–18 Psalm 146

Refrain Teach me, O Lord, the way of your statutes.
Or v.1 or CR 5
Hebrews 9.11–14 Mark 12.28–34
C Habakkuk 1.1–4; 2.1–4 Psalm 119.137–144

Refrain To you shall vows be performed in Jerusalem. Or v.5 or CR 2
2 Thessalonians 1.1–4, 11–12 Luke 19.1–10

God of freedom,
May we embrace the law of your service
and know the glorious liberty of the children of God.
Heavenly Father,
bring to perfection within us
the communion we share in this sacrament.
390 After Pentecost

May the unity we know this day
live in our community and family.
This we pray in the name of Jesus Christ the Lord.
Sunday between 6 and 12 November Proper 32
Sentence
A Watch and be ready, for you do not know on what day
your Lord is coming. Matthew 24.42, 44
B Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of
heaven. Matthew 5.3
C Jesus Christ is the first-born of the dead; to him be glory
and dominion for ever and ever. Amen.
See Revelation 1.5, 6
Collect
Eternal God,
who caused all holy scriptures
to be written for our learning,
grant us so to hear them,
read, mark, learn, and inwardly digest them,
that we may embrace and ever hold fast
the blessed hope of everlasting life,
which you have given us in our Saviour Jesus Christ,
Readings
A Joshua 24.1–3a, 14–25 Psalm 78.1–7
Refrain I will show my salvation to those who keep in my way.
Or v.24 or CR 8
B Ruth 3.1–5; 4.13–17 Psalm 127

Refrain Praise the Lord, O my soul! Or v.4 or CR 1
Hebrews 9.24–28 Mark 12.38–44
After Pentecost 391

C Haggai 1.15b—2.9 Psalm 145.1–5, 18–22 or Psalm 98
Refrain The Lord will not forget the cry of the afflicted.
Or v.18 or CR 4
2 Thessalonians 2.1–5, 13–17 Luke 20.27–38

Gracious God,
your word to us is food indeed.
Receive all we offer you this day,
and let your loving-kindness be our comfort,
for the sake of Jesus Christ, your living Word.
Living God,
in the eucharist you fill us with new hope.
May the power of your love,
which we have known in word and sacrament,
continue your saving work among us,
and bring us to the joy you promise.
Sunday between 13 and 19 November Proper 33

Sentence
A I am the vine, you are the branches, says the Lord. Those
who abide in me, and I in them, bear much fruit.
John 15.5
B Watch at all times, praying that you may stand before the
Son of man. Luke 21.36
C Look up and raise your heads, because your redemption is
drawing near. Luke 21.28
Collect
Almighty God,
you sent your Son Jesus Christ
392 After Pentecost

to be the light of the world.
Free us from all that darkens and ensnares us,
and bring us to eternal light and joy;
through the power of him
Readings
A Judges 4.1–7 Psalm 123
Refrain The earth was still when God rose up to judgement. Or CR 8
B 1 Samuel 1.4–20 1 Samuel 2.1–10 (as canticle)

Refrain Your kingdom is an everlasting kingdom. Or v.13 or CR 3
Hebrews 10.11–14, (15–18), 19–25 Mark 13.1–8
C Isaiah 65.17–25 Isaiah 12 (as canticle) *

Refrain Arise, O God, and rule the earth. Or v.8 or CR 5
2 Thessalonians 3.6–13 Luke 21.5–19
Prayer over the gifts

Holy God,
in this eucharist we renew our baptismal covenant.
Help us, through our offering this day,
to renounce all things that draw us from your love.
Preface of The Lord’s Day
Gracious God,
in this sacrament
we have shared the body and blood of Christ.
bear witness to his light,
and share in his eternal priesthood;
* See Canticle 3.
After Pentecost 393

The Last Sunday after Pentecost:
the Reign of Christ Proper 34
Sentence
Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord! Blessed is the
kingdom of our father David that is coming! Mark 11.9, 10
Collect
whose will it is to restore all things
in your well-beloved Son, our Lord and King,
grant that the peoples of the earth,
now divided and enslaved by sin,
may be freed and brought together
under his gentle and loving rule;
Readings
A Ezekiel 34.11–16, 20–24 Psalm 100
Refrain The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not be in want.
Or v.6 or CR 4
Ephesians 1.15–23 Matthew 25.31–46
B 2 Samuel 23.1–7 Psalm 132.1–13, (14–19)

Refrain The Lord shall reign for ever and ever. Or v.1 or CR 3
Revelation 1.4b–8 John 18.33–37
C Jeremiah 23.1–6 Canticle 19 (Luke 1.68–79)

Refrain The Lord is king; let the earth rejoice. Or v.3 or CR 3

Eternal God,
by your grace you have raised us up
and enthroned us with Christ in the heavenly realms.
394 Reign of Christ

and lead us in those good works
for which you have created us.
Preface of the Last Sunday after Pentecost: the Reign of Christ
Almighty God,
you have made us a royal priesthood
in the kingdom of your Son our Saviour Jesus Christ.
Make known his victory through us, we pray,
that all the world may see his light.
Ember Days
To be used at times of prayer for the whole ministry of the Church.
Sentence
Grace was given to each of us according to the measure of
Christ’s gift. Ephesians 4.7
Collect
Almighty God,
by your grace alone
we are accepted and called to your service.
Strengthen us by your Holy Spirit
and make us worthy of our calling;
Readings
Refrain Glorious things are spoken of you, O city of our God. Or CR 3
1 Peter 2.4–10 John 17.6–19
Ember Days 395

God of faithfullness,
in every age you call men and women
to make known your love.
May we who celebrate this eucharist today
be so strengthened in the ministries to which we are called,
that we may always witness to your holy name.
your Spirit has given us new life,
and you have nourished us with holy things.
May we be living members of your Son Jesus Christ,
and exercise the ministry to which we are called.
Rogation Days and Harvest Thanksgiving

To be used at the appropriate seasons of the year.
Sentence
Those who sowed with tears will reap with songs of joy.
Psalm 126.6
Collect
Creator of the fruitful earth,
you made us stewards of all things.
Give us grateful hearts for all your goodness,
and steadfast wills to use your bounty well,
that the whole human family,
today and in generations to come,
may with us give thanks for the riches of your creation.
Readings
Deuteronomy 8.7–18 Psalm 65
Refrain You crown the year with your goodness, O Lord.
Or v.13 or CR 2
396 Rogation/Harvest
Or Joel 2.21–27 Psalm 126
1 Timothy 2.1–7 Matthew 6.25–33
Or Deuteronomy 26.1–11 Psalm 100

Refrain The mercy of the Lord is everlasting. Or v.4 or CR 1
Philippians 4.4–9 John 6.25–35

Source of all life,
the heaven and earth are yours,
yet you have given us dominion over all things.
Receive the symbols of our labour and love
which we offer you this day,
God of our hope,
in this eucharist we find the source of all your blessings.
Nourished in these holy mysteries
may we, with our lives,
give you continual thanks and praise.
The Last Sunday after Epiphany

Readings
A Exodus 24.12–18 Psalm 2 or Psalm 99
Refrain God has exalted his anointed. Or v.2 or CR 2
2 Peter 1.16–21 Matthew 17.1–9
B 2 Kings 2.1–12 Psalm 50.1–6

Refrain God reveals himself in glory. Or v.2 or CR 3
C Exodus 34.29–35 Psalm 99

2 Corinthians 3.12—4.2 Luke 9.28–36, (37–43)
The proper prayers for the Last Sunday after Epiphany may be found on
p. 418 under the Transfiguration of the Lord.
Rogation/Harvest 397
Saints’ Days and Other Holy Days
The Holy Innocents 11 January (or 28 December)
Sentence
Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake,
for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Matthew 5.10
Collect
Almighty God, our heavenly Father,
whose children suffered at the hands of Herod,
receive, we pray, all innocent victims
into the arms of your mercy.
By your great might frustrate all evil designs
and establish your reign of justice, love, and peace;
Readings
Jeremiah 31.15–17 or Revelation 21.1–7 Psalm 124
Refrain We have escaped like a bird from the snare of the fowler.
Or v.7 or CR 5
Matthew 2.13–18

Merciful God,
Preserve your people from cruelty
and indifference to violence,
that the weak may always be defended
from the tyranny of the strong.
Preface of a Martyr
398 Holy Days

Eternal God,
comfort of the afflicted and healer of the broken,
you have fed us this day at the table of life and hope.
Teach us the ways of gentleness and peace,
that all the world may acknowledge
the kingdom of your Son Jesus Christ our Lord.
The Confession of Saint Peter 18 January

Sentence
Jesus is the Christ, the Son of the living God. Matthew 16.16
Collect
Almighty God,
you inspired Simon Peter, first among the apostles,
to confess Jesus as Messiah and Son of the living God.
Keep your Church steadfast upon the rock of this faith,
so that in unity and peace
we may proclaim the one truth
and follow the one Lord,
Readings
Acts 4.8–13 or 1 Peter 5.1–4 Psalm 23
Refrain The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not be in want. Or CR 4
Matthew 16.13–19

Living God,
accept the offering of your holy Church.
As Peter confessed Jesus, the Messiah and your Son,
give us courage to follow him,
the Lord who reigns with you for ever.
Preface of Apostles
Holy Days 399

Keep us, Father, in this fellowship of faith,
the Church of your Son Jesus Christ,
and help us to confess him as Messiah and Lord
in all we say and do.
The Conversion of Saint Paul 25 January

Sentence
This Jesus God raised up, and of that we all are witnesses.
Acts 2.32
Collect
Almighty God,
by the preaching of your servant Paul
you caused the light of the gospel
to shine throughout the world.
May we who celebrate his wonderful conversion
follow him in bearing witness to your truth;
Readings
Acts 26.9–23 or Galatians 1.11–24 Psalm 67
Refrain Let all the peoples praise you, O God. Or v.3 or CR 1
Matthew 10.16–22

Almighty God,
as we celebrate this holy eucharist,
may your Spirit fill us with the light of faith.
Preface of Apostles
400 Holy Days

Gracious God,
you filled your apostle Paul
with love for all the churches.
May the sacrament we have received
foster love and unity among your people.
The Presentation of our Lord Jesus Christ

in the Temple 2 February
Sentence
This is a light to reveal God to the nations and the glory of his
people Israel. Luke 2.32
Collect
Blessed are you, O Lord our God,
for you have sent us your salvation.
Inspire us by your Holy Spirit
to recognize him who is the glory of Israel
and the light for all nations,
Readings
Malachi 3.1–4 Psalm 84 or Psalm 24.7–10
Refrain How dear to me is your dwelling, O Lord of hosts! Or CR 4
Hebrews 2.14–18 Luke 2.22–40
Prayer over the gifts

Almighty God,
accept the joyful offering of your Church,
and grant that your Son may shine in us
as the light that lightens every nation.
We ask this in the name of the same Jesus Christ our Lord.
Preface of the Incarnation
Holy Days 401

God for whom we wait,
you fulfilled the hope of Simeon,
who did not die till he had welcomed the Messiah.
Complete in us your perfect will,
that we in Christ may share in your eternal kingdom;
Saint Joseph of Nazareth 19 March

Sentence
Happy are they who dwell in your house! They will always
be praising you. Psalm 84.3
Collect
O God,
from the family of your servant David
you raised up Joseph
to be the guardian of your incarnate Son.
Give us grace to follow him
in faithful obedience to your commands;
Readings
2 Samuel 7.4, 8–16 or Romans 4.13–18 Psalm 89.1–4, 26–29
Refrain I will establish his line for ever. Or v.29 or CR 1
Luke 2.41–52

Almighty God,
and give us generous hearts
to serve you in all who claim our help.
402 Holy Days

Heavenly Father,
your Son Jesus Christ, grew in wisdom and stature
in his home at Nazareth.
May we, nourished by this sacrament,
grow into the fullness of his new humanity,
who is Lord, now and for ever.
The Annunciation of our Lord Jesus Christ

to the Blessed Virgin Mary 25 March
Sentence
The Word became flesh and dwelt among us, full of grace and
truth; we have beheld his glory. John 1.14
Collect
Pour your grace into our hearts, O Lord,
that we who have known the incarnation
of your Son Jesus Christ,
announced by an angel to the Virgin Mary,
may by his cross and passion
be brought to the glory of his resurrection;
Readings
Isaiah 7.10–14 Psalm 45 or Psalm 40.5–11
Refrain I love to do your will, O my God.
Hebrews 10.4–10 Luke 1.26–38

Almighty God,
so fill us with your grace,
that we in all things may accept your holy will
and with the Virgin Mary, full of grace,
rejoice in your salvation;
Holy Days 403

Almighty God,
your word proclaims our salvation;
your table gives us life.
Grant us the humble obedience we see in Mary,
that we too may respond as willing servants.
Saint Mark 25 April

Sentence
We preach Christ crucified, Christ the power of God and the
wisdom of God. 1 Corinthians 1.23, 24
Collect
Almighty God,
by the hand of Mark the evangelist
you gave to your Church
the gospel of Jesus Christ, the Son of God.
We thank you for his witness,
and pray that we may be grounded firmly in its truth;
Readings
Isaiah 52.7–10 or Ephesians 4.7–8, 11–16 Psalm 2.7–13
Refrain You are my Son; this day have I begotten you.
Or v.7 or Alleluia!
Mark 1.1–15 or Mark 16.15–20

May we learn to bear witness to the gospel of your Son
both in word and deed.
404 Holy Days

Preface of a Saint
Gracious God,
may the gifts we have received at your table
strengthen us in the faith of the gospel preached by Mark.
Saint Philip and Saint James 1 May

Sentence
Whatever you ask in my name, I will do it, says the Lord; that
the Father may be glorified in the Son. John 14.13
Collect
Almighty God,
you gave to your apostles Philip and James
grace and strength to bear witness to the truth.
Grant that we, mindful of their victory of faith,
may glorify in life and death the name of Jesus Christ,
Readings
Isaiah 30.18–21 or 2 Corinthians 4.1–6 Psalm 119.33–40
Refrain Teach me, O Lord, the way of your statutes.
Or v.33 or CR 4
John 14.6–14

Almighty God,
to know you is to have eternal life.
Grant us to know your Son
as the way, the truth, and the life;
and guide our footsteps
along the way of Jesus Christ our Lord,
Holy Days 405

Preface of Apostles
Holy God,
in Jesus Christ we find the way to you.
May we who have met him in this banquet
be kept in your unending love,
and see you working through your Son,
Saint John the Evangelist 6 May (or 27 December)

Sentence
The word of the cross is the power of God to us who are being
saved. See 1 Corinthians 1.18
Collect
Shed upon your Church, O Lord,
the brightness of your light,
that we being illumined by the teaching
of your apostle and evangelist John,
may walk in the light of your truth,
and come at last to the fullness of eternal life;
Readings
Genesis 1.1–5, 12–19; or 1 1 John 1.1–9 Psalm 92.1–2, 11–14
Refrain The righteous shall flourish like a palm tree.
Or v.11 or CR 1
John 20.1–8

Eternal Light,
that we may share in the wisdom of your eternal Word
406 Holy Days

revealed at this eucharistic table.
We ask this in the name of Jesus Christ, the incarnate Word.
Preface of Apostles
Eternal God,
your apostle and evangelist John proclaimed the Christ,
your Word made flesh among us.
May we who have shared the bread of life
remain for ever your children,
born according to your will;
Saint Matthias 14 May

Sentence
I chose you and appointed you, says the Lord; that you should
go and bear fruit, fruit that will last. John 15.16
Collect
Almighty God,
who in the place of Judas
chose Matthias to be numbered in the twelve,
preserve your Church from false apostles,
and by the ministry of faithful pastors and teachers
keep us steadfast in your truth;
Readings
Acts 1.15–26 or Philippians 3.13b–22 Psalm 15
Refrain The just shall dwell on your holy mountain.
Or v.1 or CR 3
John 15.1, 6–16
Holy Days 407

Father,
receive our offering of praise this day,
and when our faith is weak,
show us the light of your truth,
that we may continue in the way of righteousness,
revealed to us in Jesus Christ our Lord.
Preface of Apostles
Gracious God,
you constantly give life to your people.
May we who receive these holy things
remain faithful to your call.
The Visit of the Blessed Virgin Mary to Elizabeth

31 May
Sentence
Blessed is she who believed that the Lord’s promise would be
fulfilled. Luke 1.45
Collect
Almighty God,
who looked with favour on your servant Mary,
and called her to be the mother of your Son,
nurture in us the humility and gentleness
that found favour in your sight,
that with her we may proclaim the greatness of your name
and find the mercy you show to those who fear you;
408 Holy Days

Readings
1 Samuel 2.1–10 Psalm 113
Refrain Let the name of the Lord be blessed for evermore.
Or v.2 or Alleluia!
Romans 12.9–16b Luke 1.39–57

God of mercy,
accept all we offer you this day
as you accepted the love of Mary,
the mother of your Son Jesus Christ,
may we who have been nourished
by your gifts in this sacrament,
always give you praise
for the great things you have done for us.
Saint Barnabas 11 June

Sentence
This Jesus God raised up, and of that we all are witnesses.
Acts 2.32
Collect
Merciful God,
help us to follow the example of your faithful servant Barnabas,
who, seeking not his own renown
but the well-being of your Church,
gave generously of his life and substance
for the relief of the poor and the spread of the gospel;
Holy Days 409

Readings
Isaiah 42.5–12 or Acts 11.19–30; 13.1–3 Psalm 112
Refrain Happy are they who have given to the poor.
Or v.9 or Alleluia!
Matthew 10.7–16

Faithful God,
Kindle in us the flame of love
by which your apostle Barnabas
bore witness to the gospel.
Preface of Apostles
God of justice,
may we who have heard your word
and received new life at your table,
bear witness to your truth in the world,
so that all may come to share in your kingdom.
The Birth of Saint John the Baptist 24 June

Sentence
You, my child, shall be called the prophet of the Most High, for
you will go before the Lord to prepare his way. Luke 1.76
Collect
Almighty God,
you called John the Baptist
to give witness to the coming of your Son
and to prepare his way.
410 Holy Days

Give your people the wisdom to see your purpose,
and the openness to hear your will,
that we too may witness to Christ’s coming
and so prepare his way;
Readings
Isaiah 40.1–11 Psalm 85.7–13
Refrain Show us your mercy. Or v.7 or CR 1
Acts 13.14b–26 Luke 1.57–80

and free us to worship you without fear,
in holiness and righteousness of life;
Preface of Advent
We thank you, Lord,
for your word and your table
which give us the knowledge of salvation.
Your compassion has broken on us like the dawn;
guide now our feet into the way of peace.
Saint Peter and Saint Paul 29 June

Sentence
Lord, you know everything; you know that I love you.
John 21.17
Holy Days 411

Collect
Almighty God,
your blessed apostles Peter and Paul
glorified you in their death as in their life.
Grant that your Church,
inspired by their teaching and example,
and made one by your Spirit,
may ever stand firm upon the one foundation,
Jesus Christ our Lord;
Readings
Ezekiel 34.11–16 Psalm 87
Refrain Glorious things are spoken of you, O city of our God. Or CR 1
2 Timothy 4.1–8 John 21.15–19

Almighty God,
receive all we offer you on this feast of the apostles.
Help us to know our own weakness
and to rejoice in your saving power,
Preface of Apostles
Heavenly Father,
renew the life of your Church
by the power of this sacrament.
May the breaking of bread
and the teaching of the apostles
keep us united in your love,
Canada Day 1 July

Sentence
If any serve me, the Father will honour them. John 12.26
412 Holy Days

Collect
Almighty God,
whose wisdom and whose love are over all,
accept the prayers we offer for our nation.
Give integrity to its citizens
and wisdom to those in authority,
that harmony and justice may be secured
in obedience to your will;
Readings
Isaiah 32.1–5, 16–18 Psalm 85.7–13
Refrain Peace shall be a pathway for his feet. Or CR 8
Colossians 3.12–17 John 15.12–17

Judge eternal,
and grant to our nation unity and peace.
Preface of Trinity Sunday
God of love,
may we who have taken holy things
grow in unity and peace.
Saint Thomas 3 July

Sentence
Have you believed, Thomas, because you have seen me?
Blessed are those who have not seen and yet believe.
John 20.29
Holy Days 413

Collect
who strengthened your apostle Thomas
with faith in the resurrection of your Son.
Strengthen us when we doubt,
and make us faithful disciples
of Jesus Christ our risen Lord;
who with you, O Father, and the Holy Spirit
lives and reigns eternally.
Readings
Habakkuk 2.1–4 or Hebrews 10.35—11.1 Psalm 126
Refrain Those who sowed with tears will reap with songs of joy.
Or v.4 or CR 4
John 20.24–29

Living God,
and grant that we may find the presence of your Son
in the Church,
in each other,
and in the poor and wounded victims of the world,
for whom he gave his life,
Jesus Christ your Son our Lord.
Preface of Apostles
God of truth,
we have seen with our eyes
and touched with our hands
the bread of life.
Strengthen our faith
that we may grow in love for you
and for each other;
through Jesus Christ the risen Lord.
414 Holy Days

Saint Mary Magdalene 22 July
Sentence
Collect
Almighty God,
whose Son restored Mary Magdalene
to health of mind and body,
and called her to be a witness of his resurrection,
forgive us and heal us by your grace,
that we may serve you in the power of his risen life;
Readings
Judith 9.1, 11–14 or 2 Corinthians 5.14–18 Psalm 42.1–7
Refrain My soul thirsts for you, O God, my God. Or v.1 or CR 4
John 20.1–3, 11–18

God of life and health,
in your Son Jesus Christ
we find the forgiveness of all that is past.
Grant that in this eucharist today
we may find the healing of all our sins.
Preface of a Saint
Compassionate God,
in this eucharist you have set aside our sins
and given us your healing.
Grant that all who have shared in holy things
may bring your healing to this broken world,
Holy Days 415

Saint James the Apostle 25 July
Sentence
I chose you and appointed you, says the Lord; that you should
go and bear fruit, fruit that will last. John 15.16
Collect
Almighty God,
we remember today your servant James,
the first apostle to give his life
for faith in Jesus Christ.
Pour out on all your people
that spirit of self-denying service
which is the mark of true leadership.
We ask this in the name of Jesus Christ the Lord,
Readings
Jeremiah 45.1–5 or Acts 11.27—12.3 Psalm 7.1–10
Refrain God is the saviour of the true in heart. Or v.11 or CR 5
Matthew 20.20–28

Lord God,
today we honour your servant James,
the first apostle to share the cup of suffering and death.
Receive our offering of praise and thanksgiving,
and renew us in the service of your Son Jesus Christ,
who came not to be served but to serve,
and to give his life as a ransom for many.
Preface of Apostles
Father,
we have eaten the bread of your table
and drunk from the cup of your kingdom.
416 Holy Days

Teach us, we pray, the way of service
that in compassion and humility
we may reflect the glory of Jesus Christ,
the Son of man and Son of God,
our Lord.
Saint Stephen 3 August (or 26 December)

Sentence
Collect
Grant us grace, O Lord,
that like Stephen we may learn to love even our enemies
and seek forgiveness for those who desire our hurt;
one God now and for ever.
Readings
(Jeremiah 26.1–9, 12–15) Acts 6.8—7.2a, 51c–60 Psalm 31.1–7, 16
Or v.5 or CR 4
Matthew 23.34–39

Refuge of those who trust in you,
we give thanks for the witness of Stephen.
and grant your peace and consolation
to those who suffer for your truth.
Preface of a Martyr
Holy Days 417

Merciful God,
we have been gathered at the table of your Son.
Hear our prayer for all our sisters and brothers in faith
who suffer for truth, justice, and freedom.
Strengthen their witness
and keep them, with us,
under the protection of your wings.
The Transfiguration of the Lord 6 August

Sentence
This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased; listen to
him. Matthew 17.5
Collect
Almighty God,
on the holy mount you revealed to chosen witnesses
your well-beloved Son, wonderfully transfigured:
mercifully deliver us from the darkness of this world,
and change us into his likeness from glory to glory;
through Jesus Christ our Lord
Readings
Daniel 7.9–10, 13–14 Psalm 99
2 Peter 1.16–19 Luke 9.28–36

Holy God,
and bring us to that radiant glory
which we see in the transfigured face
of Jesus Christ our Lord.
418 Holy Days

Holy God,
we see your glory in the face of Jesus Christ.
May we who are partakers of his table
reflect his life in word and deed,
that all the world may know
his power to change and save.
Saint Mary the Virgin 15 August

Sentence
Hail, O favoured one, the Lord is with you! The Holy Spirit will
come upon you. Luke 1.28, 35
Collect
O God,
you have taken to yourself the blessed Virgin Mary,
mother of your incarnate Son.
May we who have been redeemed by his blood,
share with her the glory of your eternal kingdom;
Readings
Isaiah 7.10–15 Psalm 132.6–10, 13–14
Refrain Arise, O Lord, into your resting place. Or v.8 or CR 2
Galatians 4.4–7 Luke 1.46–55 or Luke 2.1–7

God of mercy,
May we share with the Virgin Mary
the joys of your eternal kingdom,
and live with you in unending love.
Holy Days 419

God of grace,
today we raise our voices
to magnify your holy name,
and, in our own generation, to call her blessed
who became the mother of our Saviour Jesus Christ.
May we who have shared this holy food
continue, with her, in your glorious kingdom,
founded and established in Jesus Christ our Lord.
Saint Bartholomew 24 August

Sentence
You are those who continued with me in my trials. You shall
eat and drink at my table in my kingdom. Luke 22.28, 30
Collect
who gave to your apostle Bartholomew
grace to believe and preach your word,
may your Church truly love what he believed
and faithfully preach what he taught;
Readings
Deuteronomy 18.15–18 or 1 Corinthians 4.9–15 Psalm 91
Refrain He shall give his angels charge over you.
Or v.11 or CR 4
Luke 22.24–30

Faithful God,
May we, like all your apostles,
so live the life of Christ
420 Holy Days

that your Church may be the sign of salvation
to all nations of the world.
Preface of Apostles
you have fed us at the table of your Son
Lead us in his way of service,
that your kingdom may be known on earth.
The Beheading of Saint John the Baptist 29 August

Sentence
Collect
Almighty God,
who called John the Baptist
to give witness to the coming of your Son
and to prepare his way,
strengthen us by your grace,
that as he suffered for the truth,
so we may boldly resist corruption and sin,
and receive with him the unfading crown of glory;
Readings
2 Chronicles 24.17–21 or Hebrews 11.32–40 Psalm 71.1–6, 15–17
Refrain My tongue will proclaim your righteousness.
Or v.15 or CR 5
Mark 6.17–29
Holy Days 421

God of the prophets,
and strengthen us to proclaim
your holy and righteous word.
Preface of a Saint
God of righteousness,
may we who honour John the Baptist,
the greatest of the prophets,
always turn to him who takes away the sin of the world,
Holy Cross Day 14 September

Sentence
Far be it from me to glory except in the cross of our Lord Jesus
Christ. Galatians 6.14
Collect
Almighty God,
whose Son our Saviour Jesus Christ
was lifted high upon the cross
that he might draw the whole world to himself,
may we who rejoice in the mystery of our redemption,
have grace to take up our cross and follow him,
Readings
Numbers 21.4b–9 Psalm 98.1–6
Refrain The Lord has made known his victory. Or v.1 or CR 3
422 Holy Days

Merciful God,
through the death of your beloved Son
you transformed an instrument of shame
into a sign of hope and glory.
and renew in us the mystery of his love;
through the same Jesus Christ, the Lord of glory.

Almighty God,
we give thanks that you have made us partakers
of the body and blood of your Son Jesus Christ our Lord,
who took our nature upon him
and suffered death upon the cross for our redemption;
Saint Matthew 21 September

Sentence
You shall be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and
Samaria and to the end of the earth. Acts 1.8
Collect
Almighty God,
who through your Son
called Matthew to be your apostle and evangelist,
free us from all greed and selfish love,
that we may follow in the steps of Jesus Christ our Lord,
Readings
Proverbs 3.1–6 or 2 Timothy 3.14–17 Psalm 119.33–40
Refrain Instruct me in your statutes, O Lord. Or v.33 or CR 4
Matthew 9.9–13
Holy Days 423

Father,
Guide us with your love
as you nourish the faith of the Church
by the preaching of your apostles.
Preface of Apostles
God of mercy and compassion,
we have shared the joy of salvation
that Matthew knew when Jesus called him.
May this food renew our life in him
who came not to call the righteous
but sinners to salvation in his kingdom,
Saint Michael and All Angels 29 September

Sentence
Bless the Lord, all you his hosts, you ministers of his who do
his will. Psalm 103.21
Collect
Eternal God,
you have ordained and constituted in a wonderful order
the ministries of angels and mortals.
Grant that as your holy angels stand before you in heaven,
so at your command
they may help and defend us here on earth;
424 Holy Days

Readings
Genesis 28.10–17 Psalm 103.19–22
Refrain Bless the Lord, O my soul. Or v.1 or CR 1

God of glory,
as you have appointed angels to minister in your presence,
so may all our worship bring you worthy praise.
Preface of Trinity Sunday
Eternal God,
you have fed us with the bread of angels.
May we who come under their protection,
like them give you continual service and praise;
Saint Luke 18 October

Sentence
How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of those who
bring good tidings, who publish salvation. Isaiah 52.7
Collect
Almighty God,
who inspired Luke the physician
to proclaim the love and healing power of your Son,
give your Church, by the grace of the Spirit
and the medicine of the gospel,
the same love and power to heal;
Holy Days 425

Readings
Sirach 38.1–4, 6–10, 12–14 or 2 Timothy 4.5–13 Psalm 147.1–7
Refrain Praise the Lord who heals the brokenhearted.
Or v.3 or Alleluia!
Luke 4.14–21

God of compassion,
you are a strong tower for all who trust in you.
Be now and evermore our defence,
that we may proclaim the only name under heaven
given for health and salvation,
the name of Jesus Christ our Lord.
Preface of All Saints
Living God,
may we who have shared in these holy mysteries
enjoy health of body and mind,
and witness faithfully to your gospel,
Saint Simon and Saint Jude 28 October

Sentence
Collect
Almighty God,
we thank you for the glorious company of the apostles,
and especially on this day for Simon and Jude.
As they were faithful and zealous in their mission,
426 Holy Days

so may we with ardent devotion
make known the love and mercy
of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ,
Readings
Deuteronomy 32.1–4 or Ephesians 2.13–22 Psalm 119.89–96
Refrain O Lord, your word is everlasting. Or v.89 or CR 4
John 15.17–27

God of faithfulness,
accept our offering this day,
and give us grace to witness to your truth
and to follow in the path of those
who acknowledge Jesus as Lord for ever and ever.
Preface of Apostles
Eternal God,
we are nourished by the bread of life.
Strengthen us to witness to the gospel,
and bring us to reign with Jesus Christ your Son,
All Saints 1 November

This festival may be observed on the Sunday following 1 November, in
addition to its observance on the fixed date.
Sentence
They are before the throne of God, and he who sits upon the
throne will shelter them with his presence. Revelation 7.15
Holy Days 427

Collect
Almighty God,
whose people are knit together in one holy Church,
the mystical Body of your Son,
grant us grace to follow your blessed saints
in lives of faith and commitment,
and to know the inexpressible joys you have prepared
for those who love you;
Readings
A Revelation 7.9–17 Psalm 34.1–10, 22
Refrain Taste and see that the Lord is good; happy are they who trust
in him. Or v.9 or Alleluia!
1 John 3.1–3 Matthew 5.1–12
B Wisdom of Solomon 3.1–9 or Isaiah 25.6–9 Psalm 24

Refrain The Lord of hosts, he is the King of glory.
Revelation 21.1–6a John 11.32–44
C Daniel 7.1–3, 15–18 Psalm 149

Refrain Sing to the Lord a new song. Or v.1 or Alleluia!
Ephesians 1.11–23 Luke 6.20–31

Holy and mighty God,
we give you thanks for the triumph of Christ
in the lives of all his saints.
and help us, like them, to run our course with faith,
that we may come to your eternal kingdom.
Preface of All Saints
Lord of hosts,
we praise your glory reflected in your saints.
428 Holy Days

May we who share at this table
be filled with the joy of your eternal kingdom,
where Jesus is Lord, now and for ever.
All Souls 2 November

Or a convenient day in the week after All Saints.
Sentence
I am the resurrection and the life, says the Lord; whoever lives
and believes in me shall never die. John 11.25, 26
Collect
Father of all,
we pray to you for those we love, but see no longer.
Grant them your peace,
let light perpetual shine upon them,
and in your loving wisdom and almighty power,
work in them the good purpose of your perfect will;
Readings
Wisdom 3.1–9 Psalm 116.1–8
Refrain Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of his servants.
1 Peter 1.3–9 John 6.37–40 or John 11.21–27

Gracious and righteous Lord,
we are united in the love of Jesus Christ.
and bring us, with all your faithful people
who have gone before us,
into his eternal glory;
Preface for the Commemoration of the Dead
Holy Days 429

God of love,
may the death and resurrection of Christ,
which we celebrate in this eucharist,
bring us, with the faithful departed,
into the peace of your eternal home.
our hope and our salvation.
Saint Andrew 30 November

Sentence
Collect
Almighty God,
who gave your apostle Andrew
grace to believe in his heart
and to confess with his lips that Jesus is Lord,
touch our lips and our hearts
that faith may burn within us,
and we may share in the witness of your Church
to the whole human family;
Readings
Deuteronomy 30.11–14 or Romans 10.8b–18 Psalm 19.1–6
Refrain Their message has gone out to the ends of the world.
Or v.4 or CR 2
Matthew 4.18–22
430 Holy Days

Eternal God, ruler of the universe,
may we who have heard your word
always be ready to answer your call
and to follow without fear.
Preface of Apostles
Father,
may the gifts we have received at your table
give us courage to follow the example of Andrew the apostle
and share in the ministry of your Son
Holy Days 431

Common Propers for Saints’ Days
The following Sentences and prayers may be used on saints’ days, either in
conjunction with Readings assigned for the day in the ongoing cycle of a
lectionary, or in conjunction with Readings appropriate to the day. Suggested
Readings follow the proper prayers.
Common of a Martyr 1
Sentence
Or
Blessed are those who endure trial for Jesus’ sake, for when
they have stood the test, he will give them the crown of life.
See James 1.12
Collect
Almighty God,
who gave your servant N courage
to confess Jesus Christ
and to die for this faith,
may we always be ready
to give a reason for the hope that is in us,
and to suffer gladly for his sake;
God of faithfulness,
your servant N praised you in his/her death.
and give us the strength of will
to proclaim your righteousness and love.
Preface of a Martyr
432 Common Propers

God of courage,
we give thanks for this holy food,
and we praise you for your martyr N,
who ran with perseverance
the race that was set before him/her,
and won the victor’s wreath that does not fade;
Common of a Martyr 2
Sentence
God is not ashamed to be called their God, for he has prepared
for them a city. Hebrews 11.16b
Or
You are those who have continued with me in my trials; and I
assign to you, as my Father assigned to me a kingdom, that you
may eat and drink at my table in my kingdom. Luke 22.28–30a
Collect
who kindled the flame of your love
in the heart of your holy martyr N,
give us, your servants, the same faith and power of love,
that we who rejoice in his/her triumph
may profit by his/her example;
Father,
we give you thanks for the witness of your martyr N.
Accept our offering this day
and give your peace and consolation
to those who suffer for the proclamation of your name.
Common Propers 433

Preface of a Martyr
Father,
as we are nourished by the bread of life,
inspire us with the memory of your servant N,
and give us courage to witness with our lives
to your Son’s victory over sin and death;
through Jesus Christ, the King of martyrs.
Common of a Missionary
Sentence
To all to whom I sent you you shall go, and whatever I
command you you shall speak. Jeremiah 1.7b
Collect
we thank you for your servant N,
whom you called to preach the gospel
to the people of . . .
(or to the . . . people).
Raise up in this and every land,
heralds and evangelists of your kingdom,
that your Church may make known the immeasurable riches
of our Saviour Jesus Christ,
your love for all the world is endless.
May all we offer you this day
renew our dedication to your mission;
Preface of a Saint
434 Common Propers

Father,
may we who share in these holy mysteries
receive health of body and mind,
and a continual will to witness to your gospel.
Common of a Pastor
Sentence
I have called you friends, says the Lord; for all that I have heard
from the Father I have made known to you. John 15.15
Or
How beautiful on the mountains are the feet of those who bring
good tidings, who publish salvation. Isaiah 52.7
Collect
God of love,
shepherd of your people,
who was faithful in the care and nurture of your flock.
Taught by the example of his/her holy life,
may we by grace grow into the full stature
of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ,
Shepherd of Israel,
your flock is never without care.
Accept our grateful offering
and grant that your Church
may always rejoice in faithful pastors
who are servants of Christ and stewards of your mysteries.
Preface of a Saint or Martyr
Common Propers 435

Father,
in whom we see the loving service of Christ.
May we who receive these holy mysteries
be faithful in the ministry to which you call us,
Common of Doctors and Teachers of the Faith

Sentence
If you continue in my word, you are truly my disciples, and
you will know the truth, and the truth will make you free.
John 8.31–32
Or
The word of the cross is the power of God to us who are being
saved. See 1 Corinthians 1.18
Collect
Almighty God,
who through the teaching of your servant N
enlightened and enabled all your Church
to understand the truth in Jesus Christ,
raise up among us teachers of your word,
that we, set free by truth from unbelief,
may come to know our great salvation;
God of truth,
May we share in the wisdom of your eternal Word,
made known at this eucharistic table.
We ask this in the name of Jesus Christ the incarnate Word.
Preface of a Saint
436 Common Propers

O God,
your Word is the light of our pilgrimage,
the end and fulfilment of our knowledge.
May we who have known him in the breaking of bread
await in love the dawning of his radiance,
the same Jesus Christ our Lord.
Common of Virgins
Sentence
Collect
God our Saviour,
today we celebrate with joy the memory of your servant N,
and we give thanks for her faithfulness and love.
May we, like her, serve you with generous hearts.
Lord,
we see the wonder of your faithful love
in the life of N.
and guide us too in the paths of your service.
Preface of a Saint
God of mercy,
we give thanks that on this feast of N
you give us the bread of heaven.
Grant us your grace in this life,
and glory in the world which is to come.
Common Propers 437

Common of a Saint 1
Sentence
Or
Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for what is right, for
they shall be satisfied. Matthew 5.6
Or
Come to me, all who labour and are heavy laden, and I will
give you rest. Matthew 11.28
Collect
who in the heart of your servant N
kindled the flame of your love,
give us, your humble servants,
such faith and power of love,
that as we rejoice in his/her triumph,
we may profit by his/her example;
God of love and justice,
you make known your ways in the lives of your saints.
and help us to know your holy will and do it;
Preface of a Saint
God of glory,
this table is a foretaste of the kingdom of your Son.
May we be faithful to him in this life
and rejoice with your servant N for ever;
438 Common Propers

Common of a Saint 2
Sentence
Walk in love, as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us.
Ephesians 5.2a
Collect
Almighty God,
who by your grace surrounds us
with so great a cloud of witnesses,
may we, encouraged by the example of your servant N,
persevere and run the race you set before us,
until at last, through your mercy,
we with him/her attain to your eternal joy;
the author and perfecter of our faith,
Eternal God,
we give you thanks for the triumph of Christ
in the life of your servant N.
and give us grace to run our course with faith,
that we may come to your eternal kingdom.
Preface of a Saint
God of glory,
we give thanks for your likeness in your servant N.
May we who share at this table be transformed by your love
and display the joy of your kingdom,
where Jesus is Lord, now and for ever.
Common Propers 439

Common Readings for Saints’ Days
Common of Martyrs
Reading 1—outside Easter Season
2 Chronicles 24.17–22a (They stoned him with stones in the court of the
house of the Lord)
Sirach 51.1–12 (My soul drew near to death)
Wisdom 3.1–9 (The souls of the righteous are in the hand of God)
2 Maccabees 6.18, 21, 24–31 (I am glad to suffer these things because I fear
him)
2 Maccabees 7.1–2, 9–14 (We are ready to die rather than transgress the laws
of our fathers)
2 Maccabees 7.1, 20–23, 27b–29 (The mother was especially admirable . . .
she encouraged each of them)
Reading 1—during Easter Season

Acts 7.55–8.1a (Lord Jesus, receive my spirit)
Revelation 7.9–17 (These are they who have come out of the great
tribulation)
Revelation 12.10–12a They loved not their lives even unto death)
Revelation 21.5–7 (He who conquers shall have this heritage)

31.1–5 (Into your hands I commend my spirit)
34.1–8 (The angel of the Lord encompasses those who fear him)
124 (Our help is in the name of the Lord)
126 (Those who sowed with tears will reap with songs of joy)
Reading 2
Romans 5.1–5 (We rejoice in our sufferings)
Romans 8.31b–39 (Neither death nor life will be able to separate us from the
love of God)
2 Corinthians 4.7–15 (Carrying in the body the death of Jesus)
2 Corinthians 6.3–10 (As dying, and behold we live)
2 Timothy 2.8–13; 3.10–12 (The Gospel for which I am suffering)
440 Common Readings

Hebrews 10.32–36 (You endured a hard struggle with sufferings)
James 1.2–4, 12 (Count it all joy . . . when you meet various trials)
1 Peter 3.13–17 (It is better to suffer for doing right)
1 Peter 4.12–19 (Do not be surprised by the fiery ordeal)
1 John 5.1–5 (This is the victory that overcomes the world, our faith)
Gospel
Matthew 10.16–22 I send you out as sheep in the midst of wolves)
Matthew 10.28–33 (Do not fear those who kill the body)
Matthew 10.34–39 He who loses his life for my sake will find it)
Luke 9.23–26 (Whoever loses his life for my sake, he will save it)
John 12.24–26 (Unless a grain of wheat falls into the earth and dies, it
remains alone)
John 15.18–21 (If they persecuted me, they will persecute you)
John 17.11b–19 (The world has hated them)
Common of Pastors
Exodus 32.7–14 (Moses besought the Lord his God)
Deuteronomy 10.8–9 (The Lord set apart the tribe of Levi)
1 Samuel 16.1, 6–13a (The Spirit of the Lord came mightily upon David)
Isaiah 6.1–8 (Whom shall I send, and who will go for us?)
Isaiah 52.7–10 (All the ends of the earth shall see the salvation of our
God)—for Missionaries
Isaiah 61.1–3 (The Lord has anointed me to bring good tidings)
Jeremiah 1.4–9 (I have put my words in your mouth)
Ezekiel 3.16–21 (I have made you a watchman for the house of Israel)
Ezekiel 34.11–16 (I seek out my sheep and I will rescue them)

Acts 13.46–49 (We turn to the gentiles)—for Missionaries
Acts 20.17–18a, 28–32, 36 (The Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to care
for the Church of God)
Acts 26.19–23 (I was not disobedient to the heavenly vision)—for
Missionaries
Common Readings 441

16.5–11 (O Lord, you are my portion and my cup)
23 (The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not be in want)
96 (Ascribe to the Lord the honour due his name)
117 (Hallelujah!)
Reading 2
Romans 12.3–13 (We, though many, are one body in Christ)
1 Corinthians 1.18–25 (Has not God made foolish the wisdom of the world?)
1 Corinthians 4.1–5 (Servants of Christ and stewards of the mysteries of
God)
1 Corinthians 9.16–19, 22–23 (Woe to me if I do not preach the gospel!)
2 Corinthians 3.1–6a (Our competence is from God)
2 Corinthians 4.1–2, 5–7 (Ourselves as your servants for Jesus’ sake)
2 Corinthians 5.14–20 (The love of Christ controls us)
Ephesians 4.1–7, 11–13 (To equip the saints for the work of ministry)
Colossians 1.24–29 (I became a minister according to the divine office
which was given to me for you)
1 Thessalonians 2.1–8 (We had courage in our God to declare to you the
gospel of God)
2 Timothy 1.13–14; 2.1–3 (Guard the truth that has been entrusted to you)
2 Timothy 4.1–5 (Do the work of an evangelist, fulfil your ministry)
1 Peter 5.1–4 (Tend the flock of God that is your charge)
Gospel
Matthew 16.13–19 (You are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church)
Matthew 23.8–12 (He who is greatest among you shall be your servant)
Matthew 28.16–20 (Go therefore and make disciples of all nations)—for
Missionaries
Mark 1.14–20 (I will make you become fishers of men)
Mark 16.15–20 (Go into all the world and preach the gospel to the whole
creation)—for Missionaries
Luke 5.1–11 (They left everything and followed him)—for Missionaries
Luke 10.1–9 (The harvest is plentiful, but the labourers are few)
Luke 22.24–30 (I am among you as one who serves)
John 10.11–16 (I am the good shepherd)
John 15.9–17 (This is my commandment, that you love one another)
John 21.15–17 (Feed my sheep)
442 Common Readings

Common of Doctors and Teachers of the Faith
1 Kings 3.6–14 (I give you a wise and discerning mind)
Wisdom 7.7–10, 15–16 (The spirit of wisdom came to me)
Sirach 15.1–6 (Wisdom will feed him with the bread of understanding)
Sirach 39.6–14 (He will be filled with the spirit of understanding)

Acts 2.14a, 22–24, 32–36 (God has made him both Lord and Christ)
Acts 13.26–33 (God raised him from the dead)

19.7–10 (The testimony of the Lord is sure and gives wisdom to the
innocent)
37.32–42 (The mouth of the righteous utters wisdom)
119.9–16 (I will meditate on your commandments and give attention to your
ways)
119.89–96 (I will never forget your commandments, because by them you
give me life)
Reading 2
1 Corinthians 1.18–25 (Has not God made foolish the wisdom of the world?)
1 Corinthians 2.1–10a (I decided to know nothing among you except Jesus
Christ and him crucified)
1 Corinthians 2.10b–16 But we have the mind of Christ)
Ephesians 3.8–12 (That through the church the manifold wisdom of God
might now be made known)
Ephesians 4.1–7, 11–13 (There is one body and one spirit)
2 Timothy 1.13–14; 2.1–3 (Guard the truth that has been entrusted to you)
2 Timothy 4.1–5 (Preach the word, be urgent in season and out of season)
Gospel
Matthew 5.13–16 (You are the light of the world)
Matthew 23.8–12 (You are not to be called rabbi)
Mark 4.1–10, 13–20 (A sower went out to sow)
Common Readings 443

Common of Virgins
Song of Solomon 8.6–7 (Love is strong as death)

Revelation 19.1, 5–9a (For the marriage of the Lamb has come)
Revelation 21.1–5a (I saw the holy city . . . prepared as a bride)

1 (The Lord knows the way of the righteous)
16.5–11 (O Lord, you are my portion and my cup)
34.1–8 (I will glory in the Lord; let the humble hear and rejoice)
45.1–16 (Hear, O daughter; consider and listen closely)
103 (Bless the Lord, O my soul, and all that is within me, bless his holy
name)
112.1–9 (Happy are they who fear the Lord)
128 (Happy are they all who fear the Lord)
131 (O Israel, wait upon the Lord)
148 (Hallelujah!)
Reading 2
1 Corinthians 7.25–35 (The form of this world is passing away)
2 Corinthians 10.17—11.2 (I betrothed you to Christ to present you as a pure
bride to her one husband)
Gospel
Matthew 19.3–12 (There are . . . eunuchs for the sake of the kingdom of
heaven)
Matthew 25.1–13 (Behold the bridegroom! Come out to meet him)
Luke 10.38–42 (Mary has chosen the good portion)
Common of Saints
Genesis 12.1–4a (Go from your country and your kindred)
Leviticus 19.1–2, 17–18 (Love your neighbour as yourself)
Deuteronomy 6.1–9 (Love the Lord your God with all your heart)
444 Common Readings

Deuteronomy 10.8–9 (The Lord set apart the tribe of Levi to carry the ark)
1 Kings 19.4–18 (Go forth and stand upon the mount before the Lord)
Proverbs 31.10–20, 30–31 (A woman who fears the Lord is to be praised)
Isaiah 58.6–11 (Share your bread with the hungry)—for Social Reformers
Jeremiah 20.7–9 (There is in my heart as it were a burning fire)
Micah 6.6–8 (To do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with
your God)—for Social Reformers
Zephaniah 2.3; 3.11–13 (Seek the Lord, all you humble of the land)
Tobit 12.6–13 (Prayer is good when accompanied by fasting, almsgiving, and
righteousness)
Judith 8.1a, 2–8 (She feared God with great devotion)
The Additions to Esther 13.8–14, 17 (That I might not set the glory of man
above the glory of God)
Sirach 2.7–13 (You who fear the Lord, wait for his mercy)
Sirach 3.18–26 (The greater you are the more you must humble yourself)
Sirach 26.1–4, 16–18 (The beauty of a good wife in her well-ordered home)

Acts 4.32–35 (The company of those who believed were of one heart and
soul)
Revelation 3.14b, 20–22 (He who conquers, I will grant him to sit with me on
my throne)
Revelation 19.1, 5–9a (For the marriage of the Lamb has come)
Revelation 21.5–7 (He who conquers shall have this heritage, and I will be
his God and he shall be my son)

1 (The Lord knows the way of the righteous)
15 (Whoever leads a blameless life shall never be overthrown)
34.1–8 (Taste and see that the Lord is good)
34.9–22 (The eyes of the Lord are upon the righteous)
103 (Bless the Lord, O my soul, and all that is within me, bless his holy
name)
112.1–9 (Happy are they who fear the Lord)
128 (Happy are they all who fear the Lord)
131 (O Israel, wait upon the Lord)
Common Readings 445

Reading 2
Romans 8.26–30 (Those whom he justified he also glorified)
1 Corinthians 1.26–31 (God chose what is foolish in the world to shame the
wise)
1 Corinthians 12.31—13.13 (Love never ends)
2 Corinthians 10.17—11.2 (I betrothed you to Christ to present you as a pure
bride to her one husband)
Galatians 2.19–20 (It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me)
Galatians 6.14–16 (Far be it from me to glory except in the cross)
Ephesians 3.14–19 (To know the love of Christ which surpasses knowledge)
Ephesians 6.10–13, 18 (Put on the whole armour of God)
Philippians 3.8–14 (I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward
call of God in Christ Jesus)
Philippians 4.4–9 (Rejoice in the Lord always)
1 Timothy 5.3–10 (Honour widows who are real widows)—for Widows
James 2.14–17 (Faith by itself, if it has no works, is dead)
1 Peter 4.7–11 (As good stewards of God’s varied grace)
1 John 3.14–18 (Let us not love in word or speech but in deed and in
truth) —for Social Reformers
1 John 4.7–16 (If we love one another, God abides in us)
1 John 5.1–5 (This is the victory that overcomes the world, our faith)
Gospel
Matthew 5.1–12a (He went up on the mountain . . . and he opened his
mouth and taught them)
Matthew 5.13–16 (You are the light of the world)
Matthew 11.25–30 (My yoke is easy, and my burden is light)
Matthew 13.44–46 (He goes and sells all that he has and buys that field)
Matthew 16.24–27 (Whoever loses his life for my sake will find it)
Matthew 18.1 – 4 (Unless you turn and become like children, you will never
enter the kingdom of heaven)
Matthew 19.3–12 (There are . . . eunuchs for the sake of the kingdom of
heaven)
Matthew 25.1–13 (Behold the bridegroom! Come out to meet him)
Matthew 25.14–30 (You have been faithful over a little, I will set you over
much)
Matthew 25.31–46 (As you did it to one of the least of these my brethren,
you did it to me)—for Social Reformers
446 Common Readings

Mark 3.31–35 (Whoever does the will of God is my brother, and sister, and
mother)
Mark 9.33–37 (Whoever receives one such child in my name receives me)
Mark 10.13–16 (Let the children come to me, do not hinder them)
Mark 10.17–30 (Sell what you have, and give to the poor . . . and come,
follow me)
Luke 9.57–62 (The Son of man has nowhere to lay his head)
Luke 10.38–42 (Mary has chosen the good portion)
Luke 12.32–34 (It is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom)
Luke 12.35–40 (Blessed are those servants whom the master finds awake
when he comes)
Luke 14.25–33 (Whoever of you does not renounce all that he has cannot be
my disciple)
John 15.1–8 (I am the vine, you are the branches)
John 17.20–26 (The glory which thou hast given me I have given to them)
Common Readings 447

Alphabetical List of Abbreviations
The Books of the Bible in the Revised Standard Version
The Acts Acts Jude Jude
Amos Am 1 Kings 1 Kgs
1 Chronicles 1 Chr 2 Kings 2 Kgs
2 Chronicles 2 Chr Lamentations Lam
Colossians Col Leviticus Lev
1 Corinthians 1 Cor Luke Lk
2 Corinthians 2 Cor Malachi Mal
Daniel Dan Micah Mic
Deuteronomy Dt Mark Mk
Ecclesiastes Ec Matthew Mt
Ephesians Eph Nahum Nah
Esther Est Nehemiah Neh
Exodus Ex Numbers Num
Ezekiel Ezek Obadiah Ob
Ezra Ezra 1 Peter 1 Pet
Galatians Gal 2 Peter 2 Pet
Genesis Gen Philippians Phil
Habakkuk Hab Philemon Philem
Haggai Hag Proverbs Pr
Hebrews Heb Psalms Ps
Hosea Hos Revelation Rev
Isaiah Is Romans Rom
James Jas Ruth Ru
Jeremiah Jer 1 Samuel 1 Sam
Judges Jg 2 Samuel 2 Sam
Joel Jl Song of Solomon S of S
John Jn 1 Thessalonians 1 Th
1 John 1 Jn 2 Thessalonians 2 Th
2 John 2 Jn 1 Timothy 1 Tim
3 John 3 Jn 2 Timothy 2 Tim
Job Job Titus Tit
Jonah Jon Zechariah Zech
Joshua Jos Zephaniah Zeph
448 Abbreviations
The Books of the Apocrypha
The Additions to Esther Ad Est
Baruch Bar
The First Book of Esdras 1 Esd
The Second Book of Esdras 2 Esd
Judith Jdt
The First Book of the Maccabees 1 Macc
The Second Book of the Maccabees 2 Macc
Ecclesiasticus, or the Wisdom of Jesus
the Son of Sirach Sir
The Prayer of Azariah and the Song of
the Three Young Men S of 3 Y
Susanna Sus
Tobit Tob
The Wisdom of Solomon Wis
Abbreviations 449
Concerning the Daily Office Lectionary
The Daily Office Lectionary is arranged in a two-year cycle. Year 1 always
begins on the First Sunday of Advent in years divisible by two (1986, 1988,
etc.).
Three reading are provided for every day. Two of the readings may be used
in the morning and one in the evening. If two readings are desired at both
morning and evening offices, the Old Testament readings for the alternative
year may be used as a first reading. If the office occurs only once in the day,
all three readings may be used.
The readings of the Daily Office Lectionary may be used at weekday
celebrations of the eucharist for which no readings are provided in the
Lectionary, or at Morning Prayer when it is attached to the eucharist as the
liturgy of the word; in either case, the Gospel reading, preceded by at least
one of the other readings, should be used.
When more than one reading is used at an office, the first is always from the
Old Testament or the Apocrypha.
When a holy day interrupts the sequence of readings, they may be re-ordered
by lengthening, combining, or omitting some of them, to secure continuity or
avoid repetition.
In the Daily Office Lectionary the psalms are arranged in a seven-week
pattern which recurs throughout the year, except for variations in the seasons
of Christmas, Epiphany, Lent, and Easter.
In the citation of the psalms, those for the morning are given first, and then
those for the evening. However, any of the psalms appointed for a given day
may be used in the morning or in the evening, and any of the psalms
appointed for any day may be used on any other day in the same week, except
on major holy days.
Parentheses are used to indicate psalms and verses of psalms which may be
omitted. In some instances, the entire portion of the psalter assigned to a
given office is in parentheses and alternative psalmody is suggested. Those
who wish to recite the psalter in its entirety should, in each instance, use the
bracketed psalms rather than the alternatives.
Antiphons drawn from the psalms themselves, or from the opening sentences
in the Propers, or from other passages of scripture, may be used with the
psalms and the biblical canticles. The antiphons may be sung or said at the
450 Daily Office

beginning and end of each psalm or canticle, or may be used as refrains after
each verse or group of verses.
On special occasions, suitable psalms and readings may be selected.
Signs
1—Year 1
2—Year 2
M—Morning
E—Evening
Daily Office 451

Daily Office Lectionary
Week of 1 Advent
Sun 146, 147 * 111, 112, 113
1 Is 1.1–9 2 Pet 3.1–10 Mt 25.1–13
2 Am 1.1–5, 13—2.8 1 Th 5.1–11 Lk 21.5–9
Mon 1, 2, 3 * 4, 7
1 Is 1.10–20 1 Th 1.1–10 Lk 20.1–8
2 Am 2.6–16 2 Pet 1.1–11 Mt 21.1–11
Tue 5, 6 * 10, 11
1 Is 1.21–31 1 Th 2.1–12 Lk 20.9–18
2 Am 3.1–11 2 Pet 1.12–21 Mt 21.12–22
Wed 119.1–24 * 12, 13, 14

1 Is 2.1–11 1 Th 2.13–20 Lk 20.19–26
2 Am 3.12—4.5 2 Pet 3.1–10 Mt 21.23–32
Thu 18.1–20 * 18.21–50

1 Is 2.12–22 1 Th 3.1–13 Lk 20.27–40
2 Am 4.6–13 2 Pet 3.11–18 Mt 21.33–46
Fri 16, 17 * 22
1 Is 3.8–15 1 Th 4.1–12 Lk 20.41—21.4
2 Am 5.1–17 Jude 1–16 Mt 22.1–14
Sat 20, 21.1–7(8–14) * 110.1–5(6–7), 116, 117

1 Is 4.2–6 1 Th 4.13–18 Lk 21.5–19
2 Am 5.18–27 Jude 17–25 Mt 22.15–22
Week of 2 Advent
Sun 148, 149, 150 * 114, 115
1 Is 5.1–7 2 Pet 3.11–18 Lk 7.28–35
2 Am 6.1–14 2 Th 1.5–12 Lk 1.57–68
Mon 25 * 9, 15
1 Is 5.8–12, 18–23 1 Th 5.1–11 Lk 21.20–28
2 Am 7.1–9 Rev 1.1–8 Mt 22.23–33
452 Daily Office

Tue 26, 28 * 36, 39
1 Is 5.13–17, 24–25 1 Th 5.12–28 Lk 21.29–38
2 Am 7.10–17 Rev 1.9–16 Mt 22.34–46
Wed 38 * 119.25–48
1 Is 6.1–13 2 Th 1.1–12 Jn 7.53—8.11
2 Am 8.1–14 Rev 1.17—2.7 Mt 23.1–12
Thu 37.1–18 * 37.19–42

1 Is 7.1–9 2 Th 2.1–12 Lk 22.1–13
2 Am 9.1–10 Rev 2.8–17 Mt 23.13–26
Fri 31 * 35
1 Is 7.10–25 2 Th 2.13—3.5 Lk 22.14–30
2 Hag 1.1–15 Rev 2.18–29 Mt 23.27–39
Sat 30, 32 * 42, 43

1 Is 8.1–15 2 Th 3.6–18 Lk 22.31–38
2 Hag 2.1–9 Rev 3.1–6 Mt 24.1–14
Week of 3 Advent
Sun 63.1–8(9–11), 98 * 103
1 Is 13.6–13 Heb 12.18–29 Jn 3.22–30
2 Am 9.11–15 2 Th 2.1–3, 13–17 Jn 5.30–47
The readings below are interrupted after 17 December in favour of the

readings identified by date in the week of 4 Advent.
Mon 41, 52 * 44
1 Is 8.16,–9.1 2 Pet 1.1–11 Lk 22.39–53
2 Zech 1.7–17 Rev 3.7–13 Mt 24.15–31
Tue 45 * 47, 48
1 Is 9.1–7 2 Pet 1.12–21 Lk 22.54–69
2 Zech 2.1–13 Rev 3.14–22 Mt 24.32–44
Wed 119.49–72 * 49, [53]

1 Is 9.8–17 2 Pet 2.1–10a Mk 1.1–8
2 Zech 3.1–10 Rev 4.1–8 Mt 24.45–51
Daily Office 453

Thu 50 * [59, 60] or 33
1 Is 9.18—10.4 2 Pet 2.10b–16 Mt 3.1–12
2 Zech 4.1–14 Rev 4.9—5.5 Mt 25.1–13
Fri 40, 54 * 51
1 Is 10.5–19 2 Pet 2.17–22 Mt 11.2–15
2 Zech 7.8—8.8 Rev 5.6–14 Mt 25.14–30
Sat 55 * 138, 139.1–17(18–23)

1 Is 10.20–27 Jude 17–25 Lk 3.1–9
2 Zech 8.9–17 Rev 6.1–17 Mt 25.31–46
Week of 4 Advent
The readings provided for the dates below serve as Sunday readings if the date
happens to be a Sunday.
18 Dec 24, 29 * 8, 84
1 Is 42.1–12 Eph 6.10–20 Jn 3.16–21
2 Gen 3.8–15 Rev 12.1–10 Jn 3.16–21
19 Dec 61, 62 * 112, 115

1 Is 11.1–9 Rev 20.1–10 Jn 5.30–47
2 Zeph 3.14–20 Tit 1.1–16 Lk 1.1–25
20 Dec 66, 67 * 116, 117

1 Is 11.10–16 Rev 20.11—21.8 Lk 1.5–25
2 1 Sam 2.1b–10 Tit 2.1–10 Lk 1.26–38
21 Dec 72 * 111, 113

1 Is 28.9–22 Rev 21.9–21 Lk 1.26–38
2 2 Sam 7.1–17 Tit 2.11—3.8a Lk 1.39–48a(48b–56)
22 Dec 80 * 146, 147

1 Is 29.13–24 Rev 21.22—22.5 Lk 1.39–48a(48b–56)
2 2 Sam 7.18–29 Gal 3.1–14 Lk 1.57–66
23 Dec 93, 96 * 148, 150

1 Is 33.17–22 Rev 22.6–11, 18–20 Lk 1.57–66
2 Bar 4.21–29 Gal 3.15–22 Lk 1.67–80 or Mt 1.1–17
24 Dec 45, 46 *
1M Is 35.1–10 Rev 22.12–17, 21 Lk 1.67–80
2M Bar 4.36—5.9 Gal 3.23—4.7 Mt 1.18–25
454 Daily Office

Christmas and Following
Christmas Eve * 89.1–29
Is 59.15b–21 Phil 2.5–11
Christmas Day 2, 85 * 110.1–5(6–7), 132

1 Zech 2.10–13 1 Jn 4.7–16 Jn 3.31–36
2 Mic 4.1–5; 5.2–4 1 Jn 4.7–16 Jn 3.31–36
First Sunday after Christmas 93, 96 * 34

1 Is 62.6–7, 10–12 Heb 2.10–18 Mt 1.18–25
2 1 Sam 1.1–2, 7b–28 Col 1.9–20 Lk 2.22–40
If St Stephen, St John, Apostle and Evangelist, and the Holy Innocents are
observed on the days after Christmas, the following readings will be used on
December 29, 30, and 31.
29 Dec 18.1–20 * 18.21–50 †
1 Is 12.1–6 Rev 1.1–8 Jn 7.37–52
2 2 Sam 23.13–17b 2 Jn 1–13 Jn 2.1–11
30 Dec 20, 21.1–7(8–14) * 23, 27

1M Is 25.1–9 Rev 1.9–20 Jn 7.53—8.11
2M 1 Kg 17.17–24 3 Jn 1–15 Jn 4.46–54
31 Dec 46, 48 *
1M Is 26.1–9 2 Cor 5.16—6.2 Jn 8.12–19
2M 1 Kg 3.5–14 Jas 4.13–17; 5.7–11 Jn 5.1–15
If St Stephen, St John, Apostle and Evangelist, and the Holy Innocents are
not observed on the days after Christmas, the following readings will be used
until the Eve of the Naming of Jesus, except on the First Sunday after
Christmas.
26 Dec 145 * 146, 147
1 Is 12.1–6 Heb 1.1–12 Lk 2.22–40
2 Is 41.8–10 Heb 1.1–12 Lk 2.15–21
27 Dec 148, 149, 150 * 125, 126

1 Is 25.1–9 Col 1.11–19 Lk 2.41–52
2 Is 41.17–20 Heb 2.10–18 Mt 1.18–25
† If today is Saturday, use Psalms 23 and 27 at Evening Prayer.
Daily Office 455

28 Dec 26 * 2, 8
1 Is 26.1–9 Col 1.20–29 Mt 2.13–18
2 Jer 31.10–17 Gal 4.1–7 Jn 1.1–18
29 Dec 18.1–20 * 18.21–50 †

1 Is 60.1–5 Rev 1.1–8 Jn 7.37–52
2 2 Sam 23.13–17b 2 Jn 1–13 Jn 2.1–11
30 Dec 20, 21.1–7(8–14) * 23, 27

1 Is 60.19–22 Rev 1.9–20 Jn 7.53—8.11
2 1 Kg 17.17–24 3 Jn 1–15 Jn 4.46–54
31 Dec 46, 48 *
1M Is 62.10–12 2 Cor 5.16—6.2 Jn 8.12–19
2M 1 Kg 3.5–14 Jas 4.13–17; 5.7–11 Jn 5.1–15
Eve of the Naming of Jesus * 90

Is 65.15b–25 Rev 21.1–6
The Naming of Jesus 103 * 148

1 Gen 17.1–12a, 15–16 Col 2.6–12 Jn 16.23b–30
2 Is 62.1–5, 10–12 Rev 19.11–16 Mt 1.18–25
Second Sunday after Christmas 66, 67 * 145

1 Sir 3.3–9, 14–17 1 Jn 2.12–17 Jn 6.41–47
2 Wis 7.3–14 Col 3.12–17 Jn 6.41–47
2 Jan 34 * 33
1 Gen 12.1–7 Heb 11.1–12 Jn 6.35–42, 48–51
2 1 Kg 19.1–8 Eph 4.1–16 Jn 6.1–14
3 Jan 68 * 72 ††
1 Gen 28.10–22 Heb 11.13–22 Jn 10.7–17
2 1 Kg 19.9–18 Eph 4.17–32 Jn 6.15–27
4 Jan 85, 87 * 89.1–29 ††

1 Ex 3.1–12 Heb 11.23–31 Jn 14.6–14
2 Jos 3.14—4.7 Eph 5.1–20 Jn 9.1–12, 35–38
† If today is Saturday, use Psalms 23 and 27 at Evening Prayer.

†† If today is Saturday, use Psalm 136 at Evening Prayer.
456 Daily Office

5 Jan 2, 110.1–5(6–7) *
1M Jos 1.1–9 Heb 11.32—12.2 Jn 15.1–16
2M Jon 2.2–9 Eph 6.10–20 Jn 11.17–27, 38–44
The Epiphany and Following

Eve of Epiphany * 29, 98
Is 66.18–23 Rom 15.7–13
Epiphany 46, 97 * 96, 100

1 Is 52.7–10 Rev 21.22–27 Mt 12.14–21
2 Is 49.1–7 Rev 21.22–27 Mt 12.14–21
7 Jan † 103 * 114, 115

1 Is 52.3–6 Rev 2.1–7 Jn 2.1–11
2 Dt 8.1–3 Col 1.1–14 Jn 6.30–33, 48–51
8 Jan 117, 118 * 112, 113

1 Is 59.15–21 Rev 2.8–17 Jn 4.46–54
2 Ex 17.1–7 Col 1.15–23 Jn 7.37–52
9 Jan 121, 122, 123 * 131, 132

1 Is 63.1–5 Rev 2.18–29 Jn 5.1–15
2 Is 45.14–19 Col 1.24—2.7 Jn 8.12–19
10 Jan 138, 139.1–17(18–23) * 147

1 Is 65.1–9 Rev 3.1–6 Jn 6.1–14
2 Jer 23.1–8 Col 2.8–23 Jn 10.7–17
11 Jan 148, 150 * 91, 92

1 Is 65.13–16 Rev 3.7–13 Jn 6.15–27
2 Is 55.3–9 Col 3.1–17 Jn 14.6–14
12 Jan 98, 99 [100] *

1 Is 66.1–2, 22–23 Rev 3.14–22 Jn 9.1–12, 35–38
2 Gen 49.1–2, 8–12 Col 3.18—4.6 Jn 15.1–16
Eve of the Baptism of the Lord * 104

Is 61.1–9 Gal 3.23–29; 4.4–7
† The psalms and readings for the dated days after the Epiphany are used
only until the following Saturday evening.
Daily Office 457

Psalms and readings between the Eve of the Baptism of the Lord and the week
of the beginning of Lent may be found on p. 468.
Week of the Beginning of Lent
Sun 148, 149, 150 * 114, 115
1 Dt 6.1–9 Heb 12.18–29 Jn 12.24–32
2 Sir 48.1–11 2 Cor 3.7–18 Lk 9.18–27
Mon 25 * 9, 15
1 Dt 6.10–15 Heb 1.1–14 Jn 1.1–18
2 Pr 27.1–6, 10–12 Phil 2.1–13 Jn 18.15–18, 25–27
Tue 26, 28 * 36, 39

1 Dt 6.16–25 Heb 2.1–10 Jn 1.19–28
2 Pr 30.1–4, 24–33 Phil 3.1–11 Jn 18.28–38
Ash Wednesday 95 (Invitatory), 32, 143 * 102, 130

1 Jon 3.1—4.11 Heb 12.1–14 Lk 18.9–14
2 Am 5.6–15 Heb 12.1–14 Lk 18.9–14
Thu 37.1–18 * 37.19–42

1 Dt 7.6–11 Tit 1.1–16 Jn 1.29–34
2 Hab 3.1–10(11–15)16–18 Phil 3.12–21 Jn 17.1–8
Fri 95 (Invitatory), 31 * 35
1 Dt 7.12–16 Tit 2.1–15 Jn 1.35–42
2 Ezek 18.1–4, 25–32 Phil 4.1–9 Jn 17.9–19
Sat 30, 32 * 42, 43

1 Dt 7.17–26 Tit 3.1–15 Jn 1.43–51
2 Ezek 39.21–29 Phil 4.10–20 Jn 17.20–26
Week of 1 Lent
Sun 63.1–8(9–11), 98 * 103
1 Dt 8.1–10 1 Cor 1.17–31 Mk 2.18–22
2 Dan 9.3–10 Heb 2.10–18 Jn 12.44–50
Mon 41, 52 * 44
1 Dt 8.11–20 Heb 2.11–18 Jn 2.1–12
2 Gen 37.1–11 1 Cor 1.1–19 Mk 1.1–13
458 Daily Office

Tue 45 * 47, 48
1 Dt 9.4–12 Heb 3.1–11 Jn 2.13–22
2 Gen 37.12–24 1 Cor 1.20–31 Mk 1.14–28
Wed 119.49–72 * 49, [53]

1 Dt 9.13–21 Heb 3.12–19 Jn 2.23—3.15
2 Gen 37.25–36 1 Cor 2.1–13 Mk 1.29–45
Thu 50 * [59, 60] or 19, 46

1 Dt 9.23—10.5 Heb 4.1–10 Jn 3.16–21
2 Gen 39.1–23 1 Cor 2.14—3.15 Mk 2.1–12
Fri 95 (Invitatory), 40, 54 * 51

1 Dt 10.12–22 Heb 4.11–16 Jn 3.22–36
2 Gen 40.1–23 1 Cor 3.16–23 Mk 2.13–22
Sat 55 * 138, 139.1–17(18–23)

1 Dt 11.18–28 Heb 5.1–10 Jn 4.1–26
2 Gen 41.1–13 1 Cor 4.1–7 Mk 2.23—3.6
Week of 2 Lent
Sun 24, 29 * 8, 84
1 Jer 1.1–10 1 Cor 3.11–23 Mk 3.31—4.9
2 Gen 41.14–45 Rom 6.3–14 Jn 5.19–24
Mon 56, 57, [58] * 64, 65

1 Jer 1.11–19 Rom 1.1–15 Jn 4.27–42
2 Gen 41.46–57 1 Cor 4.8–20(21) Mk 3.7–19a
Tue 61, 62 * 68.1–20(21–23)24–36

1 Jer 2.1–13 Rom 1.16–25 Jn 4.43–54
2 Gen 42.1–17 1 Cor 5.1–8 Mk 3.19b–35
Wed 72 * 119.73–96
1 Jer 3.6–18 Rom 1.28—2.11 Jn 5.1–18
2 Gen 42.18–28 1 Cor 5.9—6.8 Mk 4.1–20
Thu [70], 71 * 74
1 Jer 4.9–10, 19–28 Rom 2.12–24 Jn 5.19–29
2 Gen 42.29–38 1 Cor 6.12–20 Mk 4.21–34
Daily Office 459

Fri 95 (Invitatory), 69.1–23(24–30)31–38 * 73
1 Jer 5.1–9 Rom 2.25—3.18 Jn 5.30–47
2 Gen 43.1–15 1 Cor 7.1–9 Mk 4.35–41
Sat 75, 76 * 23, 27

1 Jer 5.20–31 Rom 3.19–31 Jn 7.1–13
2 Gen 43.16–34 1 Cor 7.10–24 Mk 5.1–20
Week of 3 Lent
Sun 93, 96 * 34
1 Jer 6.9–15 1 Cor 6.12–20 Mk 5.1–20
2 Gen 44.1–17 Rom 8.1–10 Jn 5.25–29
Mon 80 * 77, [79]

1 Jer 7.1–15Rom 4.1–12 Jn 7.14–36
2 Gen 44.18–34 1 Cor 7.25–31 Mk 5.21–43
Tue 78.1–39 * 78.40–72

1 Jer 7.21–34 Rom 4.13–25 Jn 7.37–52
2 Gen 45.1–15 1 Cor 7.32–40 Mk 6.1–13
Wed 119.97–120 * 81, 82

1 Jer 8.18—9.6 Rom 5.1–11 Jn 8.12–20
2 Gen 45.16–28 1 Cor 8.1–13 Mk 6.13–29
Thu [83] or 42, 43 * 85, 86

1 Jer 10.11–24 Rom 5.12–21 Jn 8.21–32
2 Gen 46.1–7, 28–34 1 Cor 9.1–15 Mk 6.30–46
Fri 95 (Invitatory), 88 * 91, 92

1 Jer 11.1–8, 14–20 Rom 6.1–11 Jn 8.33–47
2 Gen 47.1–26 1 Cor 9.16–27 Mk 6.47–56
Sat 87, 90 * 136

1 Jer 13.1–11 Rom 6.12–23 Jn 8.47–59
2 Gen 47.27— 48.7 1 Cor 10.1–13 Mk 7.1–23
Week of 4 Lent
Sun 66, 67 * 19, 46
1 Jer 14.1–9, 17–22 Gal 4.21—5.1 Mk 8.11–21
2 Gen 48.8–22 Rom 8.11–25 Jn 6.27–40
460 Daily Office

Mon 89.1–18 * 89.19–52
1 Jer 16.10–21 Rom 7.1–12 Jn 6.1–15
2 Gen 49.1–28 1 Cor 10.14—11.1 Mk 7.24–37
Tue 97, 99, [100] * 94, [95]

1 Jer 17.19–27 Rom 7.13–25 Jn 6.16–27
2 Gen 49.29—50.14 1 Cor 11.17–34 Mk 8.1–10
Wed 101, 109.1–4(5–19)20–30 * 119.121–144

1 Jer 18.1–11 Rom 8.1–11 Jn 6.27–40
2 Gen 50.15–26 1 Cor 12.1–11 Mk 8.11–26
Thu 69.1–23(24–30)31–38 * 73
1 Jer 22.13–23 Rom 8.12–27 Jn 6.41–51
2 Ex 1.6–22 1 Cor 12.12–26 Mk 8.27—9.1
Fri 95 (Invitatory), 102 * 107.1–32

1 Jer 23.1–8 Rom 8.28–39 Jn 6.52–59
2 Ex 2.1–22 1 Cor 12.27—13.3 Mk 9.2–13
Sat 107.33–43, 108.1–6(7–13) * 33

1 Jer 23.9–15 Rom 9.1–18 Jn 6.60–71
2 Ex 2.23—3.15 1 Cor 13.1–13 Mk 9.14–29
Week of 5 Lent
Sun 118 * 145
1 Jer 23.16–32 1 Cor 9.19–27 Mk 8.31—9.1
2 Ex 3.16—4.12 Rom 12.1–21 Jn 8.46–59
Mon 31 * 35
1 Jer 24.1–10 Rom 9.19–33 Jn 9.1–17
2 Ex 4.10–20(21–26)27–31 1 Cor 14.1–19 Mk 9.30–41
Tue [120], 121, 122, 123 * 124, 125, 126, [127]

1 Jer 25.8–17 Rom 10.1–13 Jn 9.18–41
2 Ex 5.1—6.1 1 Cor 14.20–33a, 39–40 Mk 9.42–50
Wed 119.145–176 * 128, 129, 130

1 Jer 25.30–38 Rom 10.14–21 Jn 10.1–18
2 Ex 7.8–24 2 Cor 2.14—3.6 Mk 10.1–16
Daily Office 461

Thu 131, 132, [133] * 140, 142
1 Jer 26.1–16 Rom 11.1–12 Jn 10.19–42
2 Ex 7.25—8.19 2 Cor 3.7–18 Mk 10.17–31
Fri 95 (Invitatory), 22 * 141, 143.1–11(12)

1 Jer 29.1, 4–13 Rom 11.13–24 Jn 11.1–27 or 12.1–10
2 Ex 9.13–35 2 Cor 4.1–12 Mk 10.32–45
Sat 137.1–6(7–9), 144 * 42, 43

1 Jer 31.27–34 Rom 11.25–36 Jn 11.28–44 or 12.37–50
2 Ex 10.21—11.8 2 Cor 4.13–18 Mk 10.46–52
Holy Week
Sunday of the Passion 24, 29 * 103
M Zech 9.9–12 1 Tim 6.12–16
1E Zech 12.9–11; 13.1, 7–9 Mt 21.12–17
2E Zech 12.9–11; 13.1, 7–9 Lk 19.41–48
Mon 51.1–18(19–20) * 69.1–23

1 Jer 12.1–16 Phil 3.1–14 Jn 12.9–19
2 Lam 1.1–2, 6–12 2 Cor 1.1–7 Mk 11.12–25
Tue 6, 12 * 94
1 Jer 15.10–21 Phil 3.15–21 Jn 12.20–26
2 Lam 1.17–22 2 Cor 1.8–22 Mk 11.27–33
Wed 55 * 74
1 Jer 17.5–10, 14–17 Phil 4.1–13 Jn 12.27–36
2 Lam 2.1–9 2 Cor 1.23—2.11 Mk 12.1–11
Maundy Thursday 102 * 142, 143

1 Jer 20.7–11 1 Cor 10.14–17; 11.27–32 Jn 17.1–11(12–26)
2 Lam 2.10–18 1 Cor 10.14–17; 11.27–32 Mk 14.12–25
Good Friday 95 (Invitatory), 22 * 40.1–14(15–19), 54

1 Wis 1.16, 2.1, 12–22 or Gen 22.1–14 1 Pet 1.10–20
Jn 13.36–38 M, or Jn 19.38–42 E
2 Lam 3.1–9, 19–33 1 Pet 1.10–20 Jn 13.36–38 M or Jn 19.38–42 E
Holy Saturday 95 (Invitatory), 88 * 27

1 Job 19.21–27a Heb 4.1–16 M Rom 8.1–11 E
2 Lam 3.37–58 Heb 4.1–16 M Rom 8.1–11 E
462 Daily Office

Easter Week
Easter Day 148, 149, 150 * 113, 114, or 118
M Ex 12.1–14 Jn 1.1–18
E Is 51.9–11 Lk 24.13–35 or Jn 20.19–23
Mon 93, 98 * 66
1 Jon 2.1–9 Acts 2.14, 22–32 † Jn 14.1–14
2 Ex 12.14–27 1 Cor 15.1–11 Mk 16.1–8
Tue 103 * 111, 114

1 Is 30.18–21 Acts 2.36–41(42–47) † Jn 14.15–31
2 Ex 12.28–39 1 Cor 15.12–28 Mk 16.9–20
Wed 97, 99 * 115

1 Mic 7.7–15 Acts 3.1–10 † Jn 15.1–11
2 Ex 12.40–51 1 Cor 15.(29)30–41 Mt 28.1–16
Thu 146, 147 * 148, 149

1 Ezek 37.1–14 Acts 3.11–26 † Jn 15.12–27
2 Ex 13.3–10 1 Cor 15.41–50 Mt 28.16–20
Fri 136 * 118

1 Dan 12.1–4, 13 Acts 4.1–12† Jn 16.1–15
2 Ex 13.1–2, 11–16 1 Cor 15.51–58 Lk 24.1–12
Sat 145 * 104

1 Is 25.1–9 Acts 4.13–21(22–31) † Jn 16.16–33
2 Ex 13.17—14.4 2 Cor 4.16—5.10 Mk 12.18–27
Week of 2 Easter
Sun 146, 147 * 111, 112, 113
1 Is 43.8–13 1 Pet 2.2–10 Jn 14.1–7
2 Ex 14.5–22 1 Jn 1.1–7 Jn 14.1–7
Mon 1, 2, 3 * 4, 7
1 Dan 1.1–21 1 Jn 1.1–10 Jn 17.1–11
2 Ex 14.21–31 1 Pet 1.1–12 Jn 14.(1–7)8–17
† Duplicates the first lesson at the eucharist. Readings from Year 2 may be
substituted.
Daily Office 463

Tue 5, 6 * 10, 11
1 Dan 2.1–16 1 Jn 2.1–11 Jn 17.12–19
2 Ex 15.1–21 1 Pet 1.13–25 Jn 14.18–31
Wed 119.1–24 * 12, 13, 14

1 Dan 2.17–30 1 Jn 2.12–17 Jn 17.20–26
2 Ex 15.22—16.10 1 Pet 2.1–10 Jn 15.1–11
Thu 18.1–20 * 18.21–50

1 Dan 2.31–49 1 Jn 2.18–29 Lk 3.1–14
2 Ex 16.10–22 1 Pet 2.11–25 Jn 15.12–27
Fri 16, 17 * 134, 135

1 Dan 3.1–18 1 Jn 3.1–10 Lk 3.15–22
2 Ex 16.23–36 1 Pet 3.13—4.6 Jn 16.1–15
Sat 20, 21.1–7(8–14) * 110.1–5(6–7), 116, 117

1 Dan 3.19–30 1 Jn 3.11–18 Lk 4.1–13
2 Ex 17.1–16 1 Pet 4.7–19 Jn 16.16–33
Week of 3 Easter
Sun 148, 149, 150 * 114, 115
1 Dan 4.1–18 1 Pet 4.7–11 Jn 21.15–25
2 Ex 18.1–12 1 Jn 2.7–17 Mk 16.9–20
Mon 25 * 9, 15
1 Dan 4.19–27 1 Jn 3.19—4.6 Lk 4.14–30
2 Ex 18.13–27 1 Pet 5.1–14 Mt (1.1–17) 3.1–6
Tue 26, 28 * 36, 39

1 Dan 4.28–37 1 Jn 4.7–21 Lk 4.31–37
2 Ex 19.1–16 Col 1.1–14 Mt 3.7–12
Wed 38 * 119.25–48
1 Dan 5.1–12 1 Jn 5.1–12 Lk 4.38–44
2 Ex 19.16–25 Col 1.15–23 Mt 3.13–17
Thu 37.1–18 * 37.19–42

1 Dan 5.13–30 1 Jn 5.13–20(21) Lk 5.1–11
2 Ex 20.1–21 Col 1.24—2.7 Mt 4.1–11
464 Daily Office

Fri 105.1–22 * 105.23–45
1 Dan 6.1–15 2 Jn 1.1–13 Lk 5.12–26
2 Ex 24.1–18 Col 2.8–23 Mt 4.12–17
Sat 30, 32 * 42, 43

1 Dan 6.16–28 3 Jn 1.1–15 Lk 5.27–39
2 Ex 25.1–22 Col 3.1–17 Mt 4.18–25
Week of 4 Easter
Sun 63.1–8(9–11), 98 * 103
1 Wis 1.1–15 1 Pet 5.1–11 Mt 7.15–29
2 Ex 28.1–4, 30–38 1 Jn 2.18–29 Mk 6.30–44
Mon 41, 52 * 44
1 Wis 1.16,–2.11, 21–24 Col 1.1–14 Lk 6.1–11
2 Ex 32.1–20 Col 3.18—4.6(7–18) Mt 5.1–10
Tue 45 * 47, 48
1 Wis 3.1–9 Col 1.15–23 Lk 6.12–26
2 Ex 32.21–34 1 Th 1.1–10 Mt 5.11–16
Wed 119.49–72 * 49, [53]

1 Wis 4.16—5.8 Col 1.24—2.7 Lk 6.27–38
2 Ex 33.1–23 1 Th 2.1–12 Mt 5.17–20
Thu 50 * [59, 60] or 114, 115

1 Wis 5.9–23 Col 2.8–23 Lk 6.39–49
2 Ex 34.1–17 1 Th 2.13–20 Mt 5.21–26
Fri 40, 54 * 51
1 Wis 6.12–23 Col 3.1–11 Lk 7.1–17
2 Ex 34.18–35 1 Th 3.1–13 Mt 5.27–37
Sat 55 * 138, 139.1–17(18–23)

1 Wis 7.1–14 Col 3.12–17 Lk 7.18–28(29–30)31–35
2 Ex 40.18–38 1 Th 4.1–12 Mt 5.38–48
Week of 5 Easter
Sun 24, 29 * 8, 84
1 Wis 7.22—8.1 2 Th 2.13–17 Mt 7.7–14
2 Lev 8.1–13, 30–36 Heb 12.1–14 Lk 4.16–30
Daily Office 465

Mon 56, 57, [58] * 64, 65
1 Wis 9.1, 7–18 Col (3.18—4.1)4.2–18 Lk 7.36–50
2 Lev 16.1–19 1 Th 4.13–18 Mt 6.1–6, 16–18
Tue 61, 62 * 68.1–20(21–23)24–36

1 Wis 10.1–4(5–12)13–21 Rom 12.1–21 Lk 8.1–15
2 Lev 16.20–34 1 Th 5.1–11 Mt 6.7–15
Wed 72 * 119.73–96
1 Wis 13.1–9 Rom 13.1–14 Lk 8.16–25
2 Lev 19.1–18 1 Th 5.12–28 Mt 6.19–24
Thu [70], 71 * 74
1 Wis 14.27—15.3 Rom 14.1–12 Lk 8.26–39
2 Lev 19.26–37 2 Th 1.1–12 Mt 6.25–34
Fri 106.1–18 * 106.19–48

1 Wis 16.15—17.1 Rom 14.13–23 Lk 8.40–56
2 Lev 23.1–22 2 Th 2.1–17 Mt 7.1–12
Sat 75, 76 * 23, 27

1 Wis 19.1–8, 18–22 Rom 15.1–13 Lk 9.1–17
2 Lev 23.23–44 2 Th 3.1–18 Mt 7.13–21
Week of 6 Easter
Sun 93, 96 * 34
1 Sir 43.1–12, 27–32 1 Tim 3.14—4.5 Mt 13.24–34a
2 Lev 25.1–17 Jas 1.2–8, 16–18 Lk 12.13–21
Mon 80 * 77, [79]

1 Dt 8.1–10 Jas 1.1–15 Lk 9.18–27
2 Lev 25.35–55 Col 1.9–14 Mt 13.1–16
Tue 78.1–39 * 78.40–72

1 Dt 8.11–20 Jas 1.16–27 Lk 11.1–13
2 Lev 26.1–20 1 Tim 2.1–6 Mt 13.18–23
Wed 119.97–120 *
1M Bar 3.24–37 Jas 5.13–18 Lk 12.22–31
2M Lev 26.27–42 Eph 1.1–10 Mt 22.41–46
466 Daily Office

Eve of Ascension * 68.1–20
2 Kg 2.1–15 Rev 5.1–14
Ascension Day 8, 47 * 24, 96

1 Ezek 1.1–14, 24–28b Heb 2.5–18 Mt 28.16–20
2 Dan 7.9–14 Heb 2.5–18 Mt 28.16–20
Fri 85, 86 * 91, 92

1 Ezek 1.28—3.3 Heb 4.14—5.6 Lk 9.28–36
2 1 Sam 2.1–10 Eph 2.1–10 Mt 7.22–27
Sat 87, 90 * 136

1 Ezek 3.4–17 Heb 5.7–14 Lk 9.37–50
2 Num 11.16–17, 24–29 Eph 2.11–22 Mt 7.28—8.4
Week of 7 Easter
Sun 66, 67 * 19, 46
1 Ezek 3.16–27 Eph 2.1–10 Mt 10.24–33, 40–42
2 Ex 3.1–12 Heb 12.18–29 Lk 10.17–24
Mon 89.1–18 * 89.19–52

1 Ezek 4.1–17 Heb 6.1–12 Lk 9.51–62
2 Jos 1.1–9 Eph 3.1–13 Mt 8.5–17
Tue 97, 99, [100] * 94, [95]

1 Ezek 7.10–15, 23b–27 Heb 6.13–20 Lk 10.1–17
2 1 Sam 16.1–13a Eph 3.14–21 Mt 8.18–27
Wed 101, 109.1–4(5–19)20–30 * 119.121–144

1 Ezek 11.14–25 Heb 7.1–17 Lk 10.17–24
2 Is 4.2–6 Eph 4.1–16 Mt 8.28–34
Thu 105.1–22 * 105.23–45

1 Ezek 18.1–4, 19–32 Heb 7.18–28 Lk 10.25–37
2 Zech 4.1–14 Eph 4.17–32 Mt 9.1–8
Fri 102 * 107.1–32

1 Ezek 34.17–31 Heb 8.1–13 Lk 10.38–42
2 Jer 31.27–34 Eph 5.1–20 Mt 9.9–17
Sat 107.33–43, 108.1–6(7–13) *

1M Ezek 43.1–12 Heb 9.1–14 Lk 11.14–23
2M Ezek 36.22–27 Eph 6.10–24 Mt 9.18–26
Daily Office 467

Eve of Pentecost * 33
Ex 19.3–8a, 16–20 1 Pet 2.4–10
Day of Pentecost 118 * 145

1 Is 11.1–9 1 Cor 2.1–13 Jn 14.21–29
2 Dt 16.9–12 Acts 4.18–21, 23–33 Jn 4.19–26
On the weekdays which follow the Day of Pentecost, the readings are taken
from the numbered proper (six through eleven) which corresponds most
closely to the date of the day of Pentecost.
Eve of Trinity Sunday * 104
Sir 42.15–25 Eph 3.14–21
Trinity Sunday 146, 147 * 111, 112, 113

1 Sir 43.1–12(27–33) Eph 4.1–16 Jn 1.1–18
2 Job 38.1–11; 42.1–5 Rev 19.4–16 Jn 1.29–34
On the weekdays which follow Trinity Sunday, the readings are taken from
the numbered proper (seven through twelve) which corresponds most closely
to the date of Trinity Sunday.
Week of the Baptism of the Lord Proper 1
Sun 146, 147 * 111, 112, 113
1 Is 40.1–11 Heb 1.1–12 Jn 1.1–7, 19–20, 29–34
2 Gen 1.1—2.3 Eph 1.3–14 Jn 1.29–34
Mon 1, 2, 3 * 4, 7
1 Is 40.12–23 Eph 1.1–14 Mk 1.1–13
2 Gen 2.4–9(10–15)16–25 Heb 1.1–14 Jn 1.1–18
Tue 5, 6 * 10, 11
1 Is 40.25–31 Eph 1.15–23 Mk 1.14–28
2 Gen 3.1–24 Heb 2.1–10 Jn 1.19–28
Wed 119.1–24 * 12, 13, 14

1 Is 41.1–16 Eph 2.1–10 Mk 1.29–45
2 Gen 4.1–16 Heb 2.11–18 Jn 1.(29–34)35–42
Thu 18.1–20 * 18.21–50

1 Is 41.17–29 Eph 2.11–22 Mk 2.1–12
2 Gen 4.17–26 Heb 3.1–11 Jn 1.43–51
468 Daily Office

Fri 16, 17 * 22
1 Is 42.(1–9)10–17 Eph 3.1–13 Mk 2.13–22
2 Gen 6.1–8 Heb 3.12–19 Jn 2.1–12
Sat 20, 21.1–7(8–14) * 110.1–5(6–7), 116, 117

1 Is 43.1–13 Eph 3.14–21 Mk 2.23—3.6
2 Gen 6.9–22 Heb 4.1–13 Jn 2.13–22
Week of 2 Epiphany Proper 2

Sun 148, 149, 150 * 114, 115
1 Is 43.14—44.5 Heb 6.17—7.10 Jn 4.27–42
2 Gen 7.1–10, 17–23 Eph 4.1–16 Mk 3.7–19
Mon 25 * 9, 15
1 Is 44.6–8, 21–23 Eph 4.1–16 Mk 3.7–19a
2 Gen 8.6–22 Heb 4.14—5.6 Jn 2.23—3.15
Tue 26, 28 * 36, 39

1 Is 44.9–20 Eph 4.17–32 Mk 3.19b–35
2 Gen 9.1–17 Heb 5.7–14 Jn 3.16–21
Wed 38 * 119.25–48
1 Is 44.24—45.7 Eph 5.1–14 Mk 4.1–20
2 Gen 9.18–29 Heb 6.1–12 Jn 3.22–36
Thu 37.1–18 * 37.19–42

1 Is 45.5–17 Eph 5.15–33 Mk 4.21–34
2 Gen 11.1–9 Heb 6.13–20 Jn 4.1–15
Fri 31 * 35
1 Is 45.18–25 Eph 6.1–9 Mk 4.35–41
2 Gen 11.27—12.8 Heb 7.1–17 Jn 4.16–26
Sat 30, 32 * 42, 43

1 Is 46.1–13 Eph 6.10–24 Mk 5.1–20
2 Gen 12.9—13.1 Heb 7.18–28 Jn 4.27–42

Sun 63.1–8(9–11), 98 * 103
1 Is 47.1–15 Heb 10.19–31 Jn 5.2–18
2 Gen 13.2–18 Gal 2.1–10 Mk 7.31–37
Daily Office 469

Mon 41, 52 * 44
1 Is 48.1–11 Gal 1.1–17 Mk 5.21–43
2 Gen 14.(1–7)8–24 Heb 8.1–13 Jn 4.43–54
Tue 45 * 47, 48
1 Is 48.12–21 Gal 1.18—2.10 Mk 6.1–13
2 Gen 15.1–11, 17–21 Heb 9.1–14 Jn 5.1–18
Wed 119.49–72 * 49, [53]

1 Is 49.1–12 Gal 2.11–21 Mk 6.13–29
2 Gen 16.1–14 Heb 9.15–28 Jn 5.19–29
Thu 50 * [59, 60] or 118

1 Is 49.13–23 Gal 3.1–14 Mk 6.30–46
2 Gen 16.15—17.14 Heb 10.1–10 Jn 5.30–47
Fri 40, 54 * 51
1 Is 50.1–11 Gal 3.15–22 Mk 6.47–56
2 Gen 17.15–27 Heb 10.11–25 Jn 6.1–15
Sat 55 * 138, 139.1–17(18–23)

1 Is 51.1–8 Gal 3.23–29 Mk 7.1–23
2 Gen 18.1–16 Heb 10.26–39 Jn 6.16–27

Sun 24, 29 * 8, 84
1 Is 51.9–16 Heb 11.8–16 Jn 7.14–31
2 Gen 18.16–33 Gal 5.13–25 Mk 8.22–30
Mon 56, 57, [58] * 64, 65

1 Is 51.17–23 Gal 4.1–11 Mk 7.24–37
2 Gen 19.1–17(18–23)24–29 Heb 11.1–12 Jn 6.27–40
Tue 61, 62 * 68.1–20(21–23)24–36

1 Is 52.1–12 Gal 4.12–20 Mk 8.1–10
2 Gen 21.1–21 Heb 11.13–22 Jn 6.41–51
Wed 72 * 119.73–96
1 Is 54.1–10(11–17) Gal 4.21–31 Mk 8.11–26
2 Gen 22.1–18 Heb 11.23–31 Jn 6.52–59
470 Daily Office

Thu [70], 71 * 74
1 Is 55.1–13 Gal 5.1–15 Mk 8.27–9.1
2 Gen 23.1–20 Heb 11.32—12.2 Jn 6.60–71
Fri 69.1–23(24–30)31–38 * 73
1 Is 56.1–8 Gal 5.16–24 Mk 9.2–13
2 Gen 24.1–27 Heb 12.3–11 Jn 7.1–13
Sat 75, 76 * 23, 27

1 Is 57.3–13 Gal 5.25—6.10 Mk 9.14–29
2 Gen 24.28–38, 49–51 Heb 12.12–29 Jn 7.14–36

Sun 93, 96 * 34
1 Is 57.14–21 Heb 12.1–6 Jn 7.37–46
2 Gen 24.50–67 2 Tim 2.14–21 Mk 10.13–22
Mon 80 * 77, [79]

1 Is 58.1–12 Gal 6.11–18 Mk 9.30–41
2 Gen 25.19–34 Heb 13.1–16 Jn 7.37–52
Tue 78.1–39 * 78.40–72

1 Is 59.1–15a 2 Tim 1.1–14 Mk 9.42–50
2 Gen 26.1–6, 12–33 Heb 13.17–25 Jn 7.53—8.11
Wed 119.97–120 * 81, 82

1 Is 59.15b–21 2 Tim 1.15—2.13 Mk 10.1–16
2 Gen 27.1–29 Rom 12.1–8 Jn 8.12–20
Thu [83] or 146, 147 * 85, 86

1 Is 60.1–17 2 Tim 2.14–26 Mk 10.17–31
2 Gen 27.30–45 Rom 12.9–21 Jn 8.21–32
Fri 88 * 91, 92
1 Is 61.1–9 2 Tim 3.1–17 Mk 10.32–45
2 Gen 27.46—28.4, 10–22 Rom 13.1–14 Jn 8.33–47
Sat 87, 90 * 136

1 Is 61.10—62.5 2 Tim 4.1–8 Mk 10.46–52
2 Gen 29.1–20 Rom 14.1–23 Jn 8.47–59
Daily Office 471

Week of 6 Epiphany
or Sunday between 8 and 14 May Proper 6
Sun 66, 67 * 19, 46
1 Is 62.6–12 1 Jn 2.3–11 Jn 8.12–19
2 Gen 29.20–35 1 Tim 3.14—4.10 Mk 10.23–31
When Proper 6 is used after Epiphany and before Lent, the following are the
weekday readings.
Mon 89.1–18 * 89.19–52
1 Is 63.1–6 1 Tim 1.1–17 Mk 11.1–11
2 Gen 30.1–24 1 Jn 1.1–10 Jn 9.1–17
Tue 97, 99, [100] * 94, [95]

1 Is 63.7–14 1 Tim 1.18—2.8 Mk 11.12–25
2 Gen 31.1–24 1 Jn 2.1–11 Jn 9.18–41
Wed 101, 109.1–4(5–19)20–30 * 119.121–144

1 Is 63.15—64.9 1 Tim 3.1–16 Mk 11.27—12.12
2 Gen 31.25–50 1 Jn 2.12–17 Jn 10.1–18
Thu 105.1–22 * 105.23–45

1 Is 65.1–12 1 Tim 4.1–16 Mk 12.13–27
2 Gen 32.3–21 1 Jn 2.18–29 Jn 10.19–30
Fri 102 * 107.1–32

1 Is 65.17–25 1 Tim 5.17–22(23–25) Mk 12.28–34
2 Gen 32.22—33.17 1 Jn 3.1–10 Jn 10.31–42
Sat 107.33–43, 108.1–6(7–13) * 33

1 Is 66.1–6 1 Tim 6.6–21 Mk 12.35–44
2 Gen 35.1–20 1 Jn 3.11–18 Jn 11.1–16
When Proper 6 is used after Pentecost, the following are the weekday
readings.
Mon 106.1–18 * 106.19–48
1 Is 63.7–14 2 Tim 1.1–14 Lk 11.24–36
2 Ezek 33.1–11 1 Jn 1.1–10 Mt 9.27–34
Tue [120], 121, 122, 123 * 124, 125, 126, [127]

1 Is 63.15—64.9 2 Tim 1.15—2.13 Lk 11.37–52
2 Ezek 33.21–33 1 Jn 2.1–11 Mt 9.35—10.4
472 Daily Office

Wed 119.145–176 * 128, 129, 130
1 Is 65.1–12 2 Tim 2.14–26 Lk 11.53—12.12
2 Ezek 34.1–16 1 Jn 2.12–17 Mt 10.5–15
Thu 131, 132, [133] * 134, 135

1 Is 65.17–25 2 Tim 3.1–17 Lk 12.13–31
2 Ezek 37.21b–28 1 Jn 2.18–29 Mt 10.16–23
Fri 140, 142 * 141, 143.1–11(12)

1 Is 66.1–6 2 Tim 4.1–8 Lk 12.32–48
2 Ezek 39.21–29 1 Jn 3.1–10 Mt 10.24–33
Sat 137.1–6(7–9), 144 * 104

1 Is 66.7–14 2 Tim 4.9–22 Lk 12.49–59
2 Ezek 47.1–12 1 Jn 3.11–18 Mt 10.34–42
Week of 7 Epiphany
Sun 118 * 145
1 Is 66.7–14 1 Jn 3.4–10 Jn 10.7–16
2 Pr 1.20–33 2 Cor 5.11–21 Mk 10.35–45
weekday readings.
Mon 106.1–18 * 106.19–48
1 Ru 1.1–14 2 Cor 1.1–11 Mt 5.1–12
2 Pr 3.11–20 1 Jn 3.18—4.6 Jn 11.17–29
Tue [120], 121, 122, 123 * 124, 125, 126, [127]

1 Ru 1.15–22 2 Cor 1.12–22 Mt 5.13–20
2 Pr 4.1–27 1 Jn 4.7–21 Jn 11.30–44
Wed 119.145–176 * 128, 129, 130

1 Ru 2.1–13 2 Cor 1.23—2.17 Mt 5.21–26
2 Pr 6.1–19 1 Jn 5.1–12 Jn 11.45–54
Thu 131, 132, [133] * 134, 135

1 Ru 2.14–23 2 Cor 3.1–18 Mt 5.27–37
2 Pr 7.1–27 1 Jn 5.13–21 Jn 11.55—12.8
Daily Office 473

Fri 140, 142 * 141, 143.1–11(12)
1 Ru 3.1–18 2 Cor 4.1–12 Mt 5.38–48
2 Pr 8.1–21 Philem 1–25 Jn 12.9–19
Sat 137.1–6(7–9), 144 * 104

1 Ru 4.1–17 2 Cor 4.13—5.10 Mt 6.1–6
2 Pr 8.22–36 2 Tim 1.1–14 Jn 12.20–26
When Proper 7 is used after Pentecost, the following are the weekday
readings.
Mon 1, 2, 3 * 4, 7
1 Ru 1.1–18 1 Tim 1.1–17 Lk 13.1–9
2 Pr 3.11–20 1 Jn 3.18—4.6 Mt 11.1–6
Tue 5, 6 * 10, 11
1 Ru 1.19—2.13 1 Tim 1.18—2.8 Lk 13.10–17
2 Pr 4.1–27 1 Jn 4.7–21 Mt 11.7–15
Wed 119.1–24 * 12, 13, 14

1 Ru 2.14–23 1 Tim 3.1–16 Lk 13.18–30
2 Pr 6.1–19 1 Jn 5.1–12 Mt 11.16–24
Thu 18.1–20 * 18.21–50

1 Ru 3.1–18 1 Tim 4.1–16 Lk 13.31–35
2 Pr 7.1–27 1 Jn 5.13–21 Mt 11.25–30
Fri 16, 17 * 22
1 Ru 4.1–17 1 Tim 5.17–22(23–25) Lk 14.1–11
2 Pr 8.1–21 2 Jn 1–13 Mt 12.1–14
Sat 20, 21.1–7(8–14) * 110.1–5(6–7), 116, 117

1 Dt 1.1–8 1 Tim 6.6–21 Lk 14.12–24
2 Pr 8.22–36 3 Jn 1–15 Mt 12.15–21
Week of 8 Epiphany
readings.
Sun 146, 147 * 111, 112, 113
1 Dt 4.1–9 2 Tim 4.1–8 Jn 12.1–8
2 Pr 9.1–12 2 Cor 9.6b–15 Mk 10.46–52
474 Daily Office

Mon 1, 2, 3 * 4, 7
1 Dt 4.9–14 2 Cor 10.1–18 Mt 6.7–15
2 Pr 10.1–12 2 Tim 1.15—2.13 Jn 12.27–36a
Tue 5, 6 * 10, 11
1 Dt 4.15–24 2 Cor 11.1–21a Mt 6 16–23
2 Pr 15.16–33 2 Tim 2.14–26 Jn 12.36b–50
Wed 119.1–24 * 12, 13, 14

1 Dt 4.25–31 2 Cor 11.21b–33 Mt 6.24–34
2 Pr 17.1–20 2 Tim 3.1–17 Jn 13.1–20
Thu 18.1–20 * 18.21–50

1 Dt 4.32–40 2 Cor 12.1–10 Mt 7.1–12
2 Pr 21.30—22.6 2 Tim 4.1–8 Jn 13.21–30
Fri 16, 17 * 22
1 Dt 5.1–22 2 Cor 12.11–21 Mt 7.13–21
2 Pr 23.19–21, 29—24.2 2 Tim 4.9–22 Jn 13.31–38
Sat 20, 21.1–7(8–14) * 110.1–5(6–7), 116, 117

1 Dt 5.22–33 2 Cor 13.1–14 Mt 7.22–29
2 Pr 25.15–28 Phil 1.1–11 Jn 18.1–14
When Proper 8 is used after Pentecost, the following are the readings.
Sun 148, 149, 150 * 114, 115

1 Dt 4.1–9 Rev 7.1–4, 9–17 Mt 12.33–45
2 Pr 9.1–12 Acts 8.14–25 Lk 10.25–28, 38–42
Mon 25 * 9, 15
1 Dt 4.9–14 2 Cor 1.1–11 Lk 14.25–35
2 Pr 10.1–12 1 Tim 1.1–17 Mt 12.22–32
Tue 26, 28 * 36, 39

1 Dt 4.15–24 2 Cor 1.12–22 Lk 15.1–10
2 Pr 15.16–33 1 Tim 1.18—2.8 Mt 12.33–42
Wed 38 * 119.25–48
1 Dt 4.25–31 2 Cor 1.23—2.17 Lk 15.1–2, 11–32
2 Pr 17.1–20 1 Tim 3.1–16 Mt 12.43–50
Daily Office 475

Thu 37.1–18 * 37.19–42
1 Dt 4.32–40 2 Cor 3.1–18 Lk 16.1–9
2 Pr 21.30—22.6 1 Tim 4.1–16 Mt 13.24–30
Fri 31 * 35
1 Dt 5.1–22 2 Cor 4.1–12 Lk 16.10–17(18)
2 Pr 23.19–21, 29—24.2 1 Tim 5.17–22(23–25) Mt 13.31–35
Sat 30, 32 * 42, 43

1 Dt 5.22–33 2 Cor 4.13,–5.10 Lk 16.19–31
2 Pr 25.15–28 1 Tim 6.6–21 Mt 13.36–43
Week of Sunday between 29 May and 4 June Proper 9

Sun 63.1–8(9–11), 98 * 103
1 Dt 11.1–12 Rev 10.1–11 Mt 13.44–58
2 Ec 1.1–11 Acts 8.26–40 Lk 11.1–13
Mon 41, 52 * 44
1 Dt 11.13–19 2 Cor 5.11—6.2 Lk 17.1–10
2 Ec 2.1–15 Gal 1.1–17 Mt 13.44–52
Tue 45 * 47, 48
1 Dt 12.1–12 2 Cor 6.3–13(14—7.1) Lk 17.11–19
2 Ec 2.16–26 Gal 1.18—2.10 Mt 13.53–58
Wed 119.49–72 * 49, [53]

1 Dt 13.1–11 2 Cor 7.2–16 Lk 17.20–37
2 Ec 3.1–15 Gal 2.11–21 Mt 14.1–12
Thu 50 * [59, 60] or 8, 84

1 Dt 16.18–20; 17.14–20 2 Cor 8.1–16 Lk 18.1–8
2 Ec 3.16—4.3 Gal 3.1–14 Mt 14.13–21
Fri 40, 54 * 51
1 Dt 26.1–11 2 Cor 8.16–24 Lk 18.9–14
2 Ec 5.1–7 Gal 3.15–22 Mt 14.22–36
Sat 55 * 138, 139.1–17(18–23)

1 Dt 29.2–15 2 Cor 9.1–15 Lk 18.15–30
2 Ec 5.8–20 Gal 3.23—4.11 Mt 15.1–20
476 Daily Office

Week of Sunday between 5 and 11 June Proper 10
Sun 24, 29 * 8, 84
1 Dt 29.16–29 Rev 12.1–12 Mt 15.29–39
2 Ec 6.1–12 Acts 10.9–23 Lk 12.32–40
Mon 56, 57, [58] * 64, 65

1 Dt 30.1–10 2 Cor 10.1–18 Lk 18.31–43
2 Ec 7.1–14 Gal 4.12–20 Mt 15.21–28
Tue 61, 62 * 68.1–20(21–23)24–36

1 Dt 30.11–20 2 Cor 11.1–21a Lk 19.1–10
2 Ec 8.14—9.10 Gal 4.21–31 Mt 15.29–39
Wed 72 * 119.73–96
1 Dt 31.30—32.14 2 Cor 11.21b–33 Lk 19.11–27
2 Ec 9.11–18 Gal 5.1–15 Mt 16.1–12
Thu [70], 71 * 74
1 Sir 44.19—45.5 2 Cor 12.1–10 Lk 19.28–40
2 Ec 11.1–8 Gal 5.16–24 Mt 16.13–20
Fri 69.1–23(24–30)31–38 * 73
1 Sir 45.6–16 2 Cor 12.11–21 Lk 19.41–48
2 Ec 11.9—12.14 Gal 5.25—6.10 Mt 16.21–28
Sat 75, 76 * 23, 27

1 Sir 46.1–10 2 Cor 13.1–14 Lk 20.1–8
2 Num 3.1–13 Gal 6.11–18 Mt 17.1–13

Sun 93, 96 * 34
1 Sir 46.11–20 Rev 15.1–8 Mt 18.1–14
2 Num 6.22–27 Acts 13.1–12 Lk 12.41–48
Mon 80 * 77, [79]

1 1 Sam 1.1–20 Acts 1.1–14 Lk 20.9–19
2 Num 9.15–23; 10.29–36 Rom 1.1–15 Mt 17.14–21
Tue 78.1–39 * 78.40–72

1 1 Sam 1.21—2.11 Acts 1.15–26 Lk 20.19–26
2 Num 11.1–23 Rom 1.16–25 Mt 17.22–27
Daily Office 477

Wed 119.97–120 * 81, 82
1 1 Sam 2.12–26 Acts 2.1–21 Lk 20.27–40
2 Num 11.24–33(34–35) Rom 1.28, 2.11 Mt 18.1–9
Thu [83] or 34 * 85, 86

1 1 Sam 2.27–36 Acts 2.22–36 Lk 20.41, 21.4
2 Num 12.1–16 Rom 2.12–24 Mt 18.10–20
Fri 88 * 91, 92
1 1 Sam 3.1–21 Acts 2.37–47 Lk 21.5–19
2 Num 13.1–3, 21–30 Rom 2.25—3.8 Mt 18.21–35
Sat 87, 90 * 136

1 1 Sam 4.1b–11 Acts 4.32—5.11 Lk 21.20–28
2 Num 13.31—14.25 Rom 3.9–20 Mt 19.1–12

Sun 66, 67 * 19, 46
1 1 Sam 4.12–22 Jas 1.1–18 Mt 19.23–30
2 Num 14.26–45 Acts 15.1–12 Lk 12.49–56
Mon 89.1–18 * 89.19–52

1 1 Sam 5.1–12 Acts 5.12–26 Lk 21.29–36
2 Num 16.1–19 Rom 3.21–31 Mt 19.13–22
Tue 97, 99, [100] * 94, [95]

1 1 Sam 6.1–16 Acts 5.27–42 Lk 21.37—22.13
2 Num 16.20–35 Rom 4.1–12 Mt 19.23–30
Wed 101, 109.1–4(5–19)20–30 * 119.121–144

1 1 Sam 7.2–17 Acts 6.1–15 Lk 22.14–23
2 Num 16.36–50 Rom 4.13–25 Mt 20.1–16
Thu 105.1–22 * 105.23–45

1 1 Sam 8.1–22 Acts 6.15—7.16 Lk 22.24–30
2 Num 17.1–11 Rom 5.1–11 Mt 20.17–28
Fri 102 * 107.1–32

1 1 Sam 9.1–14 Acts 7.17–29 Lk 22.31–38
2 Num 20.1–13 Rom 5.12–21 Mt 20.29–34
478 Daily Office

Sat 107.33–43, 108.1–6(7–13) * 33
1 1 Sam 9.15—10.1 Acts 7.30–43 Lk 22.39–51
2 Num 20.14–29 Rom 6.1–11 Mt 21.1–11
Week of Sunday between 26 June and 2 July Proper 13

Sun 118 * 145
1 1 Sam 10.1–16 Rom 4.13–25 Mt 21.23–32
2 Num 21.4–9, 21–35 Acts 17.(12–21)22–34 Lk 13.10–17
Mon 106.1–18 * 106.19–48

1 1 Sam 10.17–27 Acts 7.44—8.1a Lk 22.52–62
2 Num 22.1–21 Rom 6.12–23 Mt 21.12–22
Tue [120], 121, 122, 123 * 124, 125, 126, [127]

1 1 Sam 11.1–15 Acts 8.1–13 Lk 22.63–71
2 Num 22.21–38 Rom 7.1–12 Mt 21.23–32
Wed 119.145–176 * 128, 129, 130

1 1 Sam 12.1–6, 16–25 Acts 8.14–25 Lk 23.1–12
2 Num 22.41—23.12 Rom 7.13–25 Mt 21.33–46
Thu 131, 132, [133] * 134, 135

1 1 Sam 13.5–18 Acts 8.26–40 Lk 23.13–25
2 Num 23.11–26 Rom 8.1–11 Mt 22.1–14
Fri 140, 142 * 141, 143.1–11(12)

1 1 Sam 13.19—14.15 Acts 9.1–9 Lk 23.26–31
2 Num 24.1–13 Rom 8.12–17 Mt 22.15–22
Sat 137.1–6(7–9), 144 * 104

1 1 Sam 14.16–30 Acts 9.10–19a Lk 23.32–43
2 Num 24.12–25 Rom 8.18–25 Mt 22.23–40
Week of Sunday between 3 and 9 July Proper 14

Sun 146, 147 * 111, 112, 113
1 1 Sam 14.36–45 Rom 5.1–11 Mt 22.1–14
2 Num 27.12–23 Acts 19.11–20 Mk 1.14–20
Mon 1, 2, 3 * 4, 7
1 1 Sam 15.1–3, 7–23 Acts 9.19b–31 Lk 23.44–56a
2 Num 32.1–6, 16–27 Rom 8.26–30 Mt 23.1–12
Daily Office 479

Tue 5, 6 * 10, 11
1 1 Sam 15.24–35 Acts 9.32–43 Lk 23.56b—24.11
2 Num 35.1–3, 9–15, 30–34 Rom 8.31–39 Mt 23.13–26
Wed 119.1–24 * 12, 13, 14

1 1 Sam 16.1–13 Acts 10.1–16 Lk 24.13–35
2 Dt 1.1–18 Rom 9.1–18 Mt 23.27–39
Thu 18.1–20 * 18.21–50

1 1 Sam 16.14—17.11 Acts 10.17–33 Lk 24.36–53
2 Dt 3.18–28 Rom 9.19–33 Mt 24.1–14
Fri 16, 17 * 22
1 1 Sam 17.17–30 Acts 10.34–48 Mk 1.1–13
2 Dt 31.7–13, 24—32.4 Rom 10.1–13 Mt 24.15–31
Sat 20, 21.1–7(8–14) * 110.1–5(6–7), 116, 117

1 1 Sam 17.31–49 Acts 11.1–18 Mk 1.14–28
2 Dt 34.1–12 Rom 10.14–21 Mt 24.32–51

Sun 148, 149, 150 * 114, 115
1 1 Sam 17.50—18.4 Rom 10.4–17 Mt 23.29–39
2 Jos 1.1–18 Acts 21.3–15 Mk 1.21–27
Mon 25 * 9, 15
1 1 Sam 18.5–16, 27b–30 Acts 11.19–30 Mk 1.29–45
2 Jos 2.1–14 Rom 11.1–12 Mt 25.1–13
Tue 26, 28 * 36, 39

1 1 Sam 19.1–18 Acts 12.1–17 Mk 2.1–12
2 Jos 2.15–24 Rom 11.13–24 Mt 25.14–30
Wed 38 * 119.25–48
1 1 Sam 20.1–23 Acts 12.18–25 Mk 2.13–22
2 Jos 3.1–13 Rom 11.25–36 Mt 25.31–46
Thu 37.1–18 * 37.19–42

1 1 Sam 20.24–42 Acts 13.1–12 Mk 2.23—3.6
2 Jos 3.14—4.7 Rom 12.1–8 Mt 26.1–16
480 Daily Office

Fri 31 * 35
1 1 Sam 21.1–15 Acts 13.13–25 Mk 3.7–19a
2 Jos 4.19—5.1, 10–15 Rom 12.9–21 Mt 26.17–25
Sat 30, 32 * 42, 43

1 1 Sam 22.1–23 Acts 13.26–43 Mk 3.19b–35
2 Jos 6.1–14 Rom 13.1–7 Mt 26.26–35

Sun 63.1–8(9–11), 98 * 103
1 1 Sam 23.7–18 Rom 11.33—12.2 Mt 25.14–30
2 Jos 6.15–27 Acts 22.30—23.11 Mk 2.1–12
Mon 41, 52 * 44
1 1 Sam 24.1–22 Acts 13.44–52 Mk 4.1–20
2 Jos 7.1–13 Rom 13.8–14 Mt 26.36–46
Tue 45 * 47, 48
1 1 Sam 25.1–22 Acts 14.1–18 Mk 4.21–34
2 Jos 8.1–22 Rom 14.1–12 Mt 26.47–56
Wed 119.49–72 * 49, [53]

1 1 Sam 25.23–44 Acts 14.19–28 Mk 4.35–41
2 Jos 8.30–35 Rom 14.13–23 Mt 26.57–68
Thu 50 * [59, 60] or 66, 67

1 1 Sam 28.3–20 Acts 15.1–11 Mk 5.1–20
2 Jos 9.3–21 Rom 15.1–13 Mt 26.69–75
Fri 40, 54 * 51
1 1 Sam 31.1–13 Acts 15.12–21 Mk 5.21–43
2 Jos 9.22—10.15 Rom 15.14–24 Mt 27.1–10
Sat 55 * 138, 139.1–17(18–23)

1 2 Sam 1.1–16 Acts 15.22–35 Mk 6.1–13
2 Jos 23.1–16 Rom 15.25–33 Mt 27.11–23

Sun 24, 29 * 8, 84
1 2 Sam 1.17–27 Rom 12.9–21 Mt 25.31–46
2 Jos 24.1–15 Acts 28.23–31 Mk 2.23–28
Daily Office 481

Mon 56, 57, [58] * 64, 65
1 2 Sam 2.1–11 Acts 15.36—16.5 Mk 6.14–29
2 Jos 24.16–33 Rom 16.1–16 Mt 27.24–31
Tue 61, 62 * 68.1–20(21–23)24–36

1 2 Sam 3.6–21 Acts 16.6–15 Mk 6.30–46
2 Jg 2.1–5, 11–23 Rom 16.17–27 Mt 27.32–44
Wed 72 * 119.73–96
1 2 Sam 3.22–39 Acts 16.16–24 Mk 6.47–56
2 Jg 3.12–30 Acts 1.1–14 Mt 27.45–54
Thu [70], 71 * 74
1 2 Sam 4.1–12 Acts 16.25–40 Mk 7.1–23
2 Jg 4.4–23 Acts 1.15–26 Mt 27.55–66
Fri 69.1–23(24–30)31–38 * 73
1 2 Sam 5.1–12 Acts 17.1–15 Mk 7.24–37
2 Jg 5.1–18 Acts 2.1–21 Mt 28.1–10
Sat 75, 76 * 23, 27

1 2 Sam 5.22—6.11 Acts 17.16–34 Mk 8.1–10
2 Jg 5.19–31 Acts 2.22–36 Mt 28.11–20
Week of Sunday between 31 July and 6 August Proper 18

Sun 93, 96 * 34
1 2 Sam 6.12–23 Rom 14.7–12 Jn 1.43–51
2 Jg 6.1–24 2 Cor 9.6–15 Mk 3.20–30
Mon 80 * 77, [79]

1 2 Sam 7.1–17 Acts 18.1–11 Mk 8.11–21
2 Jg 6.25–40 Acts 2.37–47 Jn 1.1–18
Tue 78.1–39 * 78.40–72

1 2 Sam 7.18–29 Acts 18.12–28 Mk 8.22–33
2 Jg 7.1–18 Acts 3.1–11 Jn 1.19–28
Wed 119.97–120 * 81, 82

1 2 Sam 9.1–13 Acts 19.1–10 Mk 8.34—9.1
2 Jg 7.19—8.12 Acts 3.12–26 Jn 1.29–42
482 Daily Office

Thu [83] or 145 * 85, 86
1 2 Sam 11.1–27 Acts 19.11–20 Mk 9.2–13
2 Jg 8.22–35 Acts 4.1–12 Jn 1.43–51
Fri 88 * 91, 92
1 2 Sam 12.1–14 Acts 19.21–41 Mk 9.14–29
2 Jg 9.1–16, 19–21 Acts 4.13–31 Jn 2.1–12
Sat 87, 90 * 136

1 2 Sam 12.15–31 Acts 20.1–16 Mk 9.30–41
2 Jg 9.22–25, 50–57 Acts 4.32–5.11 Jn 2.13–25
Week of Sunday between 7 and 13 August Proper 19

Sun 66, 67 * 19, 46
1 2 Sam 13.1–22 Rom 15.1–13 Jn 3.22–36
2 Jg 11.1–11, 29–40 2 Cor 11.21b–31 Mk 4.35–41
Mon 89.1–18 * 89.19–52

1 2 Sam 13.23–39 Acts 20.17–38 Mk 9.42–50
2 Jg 12.1–7 Acts 5.12–26 Jn 3.1–21
Tue 97, 99, [100] * 94, [95]

1 2 Sam 14.1–20 Acts 21.1–14 Mk 10.1–16
2 Jg 13.1–15 Acts 5.27–42 Jn 3.22–36
Wed 101, 109.1–4(5–19)20–30 * 119.121–144

1 2 Sam 14.21–33 Acts 21.15–26 Mk 10.17–31
2 Jg 13.15–24 Acts 6.1–15 Jn 4.1–26
Thu 105.1–22 * 105.23–45

1 2 Sam 15.1–18 Acts 21.27–36 Mk 10.32–45
2 Jg 14.1–19 Acts 6.15—7.16 Jn 4.27–42
Fri 102 * 107.1–32

1 2 Sam 15.19–37 Acts 21.37–22.16 Mk 10.46–52
2 Jg 14.20–15.20 Acts 7.17–29 Jn 4.43–54
Sat 107.33–43, 108.1–6(7–13) * 33

1 2 Sam 16.1–23 Acts 22.17–29 Mk 11.1–11
2 Jg 16.1–14 Acts 7.30–43 Jn 5.1–18
Daily Office 483

Sun 118 * 145
1 2 Sam 17.1–23 Gal 3.6–14 Jn 5.30–47
2 Jg 16.15–31 2 Cor 13.1–11 Mk 5.25–34
Mon 106.1–18 * 106.19–48

1 2 Sam 17.24—18.8 Acts 22.30—23.11 Mk 11.12–26
2 Jg 17.1–13 Acts 7.44—8.1a Jn 5.19–29
Tue [120], 121, 122, 123 * 124, 125, 126, [127]

1 2 Sam 18.9–18 Acts 23.12–24 Mk 11.27—12.12
2 Jg 18.1–15 Acts 8.1–13 Jn 5.30–47
Wed 119.145–176 * 128, 129, 130

1 2 Sam 18.19–33 Acts 23.23–35 Mk 12.13–27
2 Jg 18.16–31 Acts 8.14–25 Jn 6.1–15
Thu 131, 132, [133] * 134, 135

1 2 Sam 19.1–23 Acts 24.1–23 Mk 12.28–34
2 Job 1.1–22 Acts 8.26–40 Jn 6.16–27
Fri 140, 142 * 141, 143.1–11(12)

1 2 Sam 19.24–43 Acts 24.24—25.12 Mk 12.35–44
2 Job 2.1–13 Acts 9.1–9 Jn 6.27–40
Sat 137.1–6(7–9), 144 * 104

1 2 Sam 23.1–7, 13–17 Acts 25.13–27 Mk 13.1–13
2 Job 3.1–26 Acts 9.10–19a Jn 6.41–51

Sun 146, 147 * 111, 112, 113
1 2 Sam 24.1–2, 10–25 Gal 3.23—4.7 Jn 8.12–20
2 Job 4.1–6, 12–21 Rev 4.1–11 Mk 6.1–6a
Mon 1, 2, 3 * 4, 7
1 1 Kg 1.5–31 Acts 26.1–23 Mk 13.14–27
2 Job 4.1; 5.1–11, 17–21, 26–27 Acts 9.19b–31 Jn 6.52–59
Tue 5, 6 * 10, 11
1 1 Kg 1.38—2.4 Acts 26.24—27.8 Mk 13.28–37
2 Job 6.1–4, 8–15, 21 Acts 9.32–43 Jn 6.60–71
484 Daily Office

Wed 119.1–24 * 12, 13, 14
1 1 Kg 3.1–15 Acts 27.9–26 Mk 14.1–11
2 Job 6.1; 7.1–21 Acts 10.1–16 Jn 7.1–13
Thu 18.1–20 * 18.21–50

1 1 Kg 3.16–28 Acts 27.27–44 Mk 14.12–26
2 Job 8.1–10, 20–22 Acts 10.17–33 Jn 7.14–36
Fri 16, 17 * 22
1 1 Kg 5.1—6.1, 7 Acts 28.1–16 Mk 14.27–42
2 Job 9.1–15, 32–35 Acts 10.34–48 Jn 7.37–52
Sat 20, 21.1–7(8–14) * 110.1–5(6–7), 116, 117

1 1 Kg 7.51—8.21 Acts 28.17–31 Mk 14.43–52
2 Job 9.1; 10.1–9, 16–22 Acts 11.1–18 Jn 8.12–20
Week of Sunday between 28 August and 3 September Proper 22

Sun 148, 149, 150 * 114, 115
1 1 Kg 8.22–30(31–40) 1 Tim 4.7b–16 Jn 8.47–59
2 Job 11.1–9, 13–20 Rev 5.1–14 Mt 5.1–12
Mon 25 * 9, 15
1 2 Chr 6.32—7.7 Jas 2.1–13 Mk 14.53–65
2 Job 12.1–6, 13–25 Acts 11.19–30 Jn 8.21–30
Tue 26, 28 * 36, 39

1 1 Kg 8.65—9.9 Jas 2.14–26 Mk 14.66–72
2 Job 12.1; 13.3–17, 21–27 Acts 12.1–17 Jn 8.31–47
Wed 38 * 119.25–48
1 1 Kg 9.24—10.13 Jas 3.1–12 Mk 15.1–11
2 Job 12.1; 14.1–22 Acts 12.18–25 Jn 8.47–59
Thu 37.1–18 * 37.19–42

1 1 Kg 11.1–13 Jas 3.13—4.12 Mk 15.12–21
2 Job 16.16–22; 17.1, 13–16 Acts 13.1–12 Jn 9.1–17
Fri 31 * 35
1 1 Kg 11.26–43 Jas 4.13—5.6 Mk 15.22–32
2 Job 19.1–7, 14–27 Acts 13.13–25 Jn 9.18–41
Daily Office 485

Sat 30, 32 * 42, 43
1 1 Kg 12.1–20 Jas 5.7–12, 19–20 Mk 15.33–39
2 Job 22.1–4, 21—23.7 Acts 13.26–43 Jn 10.1–18
Week of Sunday between 4 and 10 September Proper 23

Sun 63.1–8(9–11), 98 * 103
1 1 Kg 12.21–33 Acts 4.18–31 Jn 10.31–42
2 Job 25.1–6; 27.1–6 Rev 14.1–7, 13 Mt 5.13–20
Mon 41, 52 * 44
1 1 Kg 13.1–10 Phil 1.1–11 Mk 15.40–47
2 Job 32.1–10, 19—33.1, 19–28 Acts 13.44–52 Jn 10.19–30
Tue 45 * 47, 48
1 1 Kg 16.23–34 Phil 1.12–30 Mk 16.1–8(9–20)
2 Job 29.1–20 Acts 14.1–18 Jn 10.31–42
Wed 119.49–72 * 49, [53]

1 1 Kg 17.1–24 Phil 2.1–11 Mt 2.1–12
2 Job 29.1; 30.1–2, 16–31 Acts 14.19–28 Jn 11.1–16
Thu 50 * [59, 60] or 93, 96

1 1 Kg 18.1–19 Phil 2.12–30 Mt 2.13–23
2 Job 29.1; 31.1–23 Acts 15.1–11 Jn 11.17–29
Fri 40, 54 * 51
1 1 Kg 18.20–40 Phil 3.1–16 Mt 3.1–12
2 Job 29.1; 31.24–40 Acts 15.12–21 Jn 11.30–44
Sat 55 * 138, 139.1–17(18–23)

1 1 Kg 18.41—19.8 Phil 3.17–4.7 Mt 3.13–17
2 Job 38.1–17 Acts 15.22–35 Jn 11.45–54

Sun 24, 29 * 8, 84
1 1 Kg 19.8–21 Acts 5.34–42 Jn 11.45–57
2 Job 38.1, 18–41 Rev 18.1–8 Mt 5.21–26
Mon 56, 57, [58] * 64, 65

1 1 Kg 21.1–16 1 Cor 1.1–19 Mt 4.1–11
2 Job 40.1–24 Acts 15.36—16.5 Jn 11.55—12.8
486 Daily Office

Tue 61, 62 * 68.1–20(21–23)24–36
1 1 Kg 21.17–29 1 Cor 1.20–31 Mt 4.12–17
2 Job 40.1; 41.1–11 Acts 16.6–15 Jn 12.9–19
Wed 72 * 119.73–96
1 1 Kg 22.1–28 1 Cor 2.1–13 Mt 4.18–25
2 Job 42.1–17 Acts 16.16–24 Jn 12.20–26
Thu [70], 71 * 74
1 1 Kg 22.29–45 1 Cor 2.14—3.15 Mt 5.1–10
2 Job 28.1–28 Acts 16.25–40 Jn 12.27–36a
Fri 69.1–23(24–30)31–38 * 73
1 2 Kg 1.2–17 1 Cor 3.16–23 Mt 5.11–16
2 Est 1.1–4, 10–19 † Acts 17.1–15 Jn 12.36b–43
Sat 75, 76 * 23, 27

1 2 Kg 2.1–18 1 Cor 4.1–7 Mt 5.17–20
2 Est 2.5–8, 15–23 † Acts 17.16–34 Jn 12.44–50

Sun 93, 96 * 34
1 2 Kg 4.8–37 Acts 9.10–31 Lk 3.7–18
2 Est 3.1—4.3 † Jas 1.19–27 Mt 6.1–6, 16–18
Mon 80 * 77, [79]

1 2 Kg 5.1–19 1 Cor 4.8–21 Mt 5.21–26
2 Est 4.4–17 † Acts 18.1–11 Lk (1.1–4); 3.1–14
Tue 78.1–39 * 78.40–72

1 2 Kg 5.19–27 1 Cor 5.1–8 Mt 5.27–37
2 Est 5.1–14 † Acts 18.12–28 Lk 3.15–22
Wed 119.97–120 * 81, 82

1 2 Kg 6.1–23 1 Cor 5.9—6.8 Mt 5.38–48
2 Est 6.1–14 † Acts 19.1–10 Lk 4.1–13
† Judith may be read from this Friday until the next Friday instead of Esther.
Fri 4.1–15 Sun 5.22–6.4, 10–21 Tue 8.9–17; 9.1, 7–10

Sat 5.1–21 Mon 7.1–7, 19–32 Wed 10.1–23
Daily Office 487

Thu [83] or 116, 117 * 85, 86
1 2 Kg 9.1–16 1 Cor 6.12–20 Mt 6.1–6, 16–18
2 Est 7.1–10 † Acts 19.11–20 Lk 4.14–30
Fri 88 * 91, 92
1 2 Kg 9.17–37 1 Cor 7.1–9 Mt 6.7–15
2 Est 8.1–8, 15–17 † Acts 19.21–41 Lk 4.31–37
Sat 87, 90 * 136

1 2 Kg 11.1–20a 1 Cor 7.10–24 Mt 6.19–24
2 Hos 1.1–2.1 Acts 20.1–16 Lk 4.38–44
Week of Sunday between 25 September and 1 October Proper 26

Sun 66, 67 * 19, 46
1 2 Kg 17.1–18 Acts 9.36–43 Lk 5.1–11
2 Hos 2.2–14 Jas 3.1–13 Mt 13.44–52
Mon 89.1–18 * 89.19–52

1 2 Kg 17.24–41 1 Cor 7.25–31 Mt 6.25–34
2 Hos 2.14–23 Acts 20.17–38 Lk 5.1–11
Tue 97, 99, [100] * 94, [95]

1 2 Chr 29.1–3; 30.1(2–9)10–27 1 Cor 7.32–40 Mt 7.1–12
2 Hos 4.1–10 Acts 21.1–14 Lk 5.12–26
Wed 101, 109.1–4(5–19)20–30 * 119.121–144

1 2 Kg 18.9–25 1 Cor 8.1–13 Mt 7.13–21
2 Hos 4.11–19 Acts 21.15–26 Lk 5.27–39
Thu 105.1–22 * 105.23–45

1 2 Kg 18.28–37 1 Cor 9.1–15 Mt 7.22–29
2 Hos 5.8—6.6 Acts 21.27–36 Lk 6.1–11
Fri 102 * 107.1–32

1 2 Kg 19.1–20 1 Cor 9.16–27 Mt 8.1–17
2 Hos 10.1–15 Acts 21.37—22.16 Lk 6.12–26
† Judith may be read from the previous Friday to this Friday instead of
Esther.
Thu 12.1–20 Fri 13.1–20
488 Daily Office

Sat 107.33–43, 108.1–6(7–13) * 33
1 2 Kg 19.21–36 1 Cor 10.1–13 Mt 8.18–27
2 Hos 11.1–9 Acts 22.17–29 Lk 6.27–38
Week of Sunday between 2 and 8 October Proper 27

Sun 118 * 145
1 2 Kg 20.1–21 Acts 12.1–17 Lk 7.11–17
2 Hos 13.4–14 1 Cor 2.6–16 Mt 14.1–12
Mon 106.1–18 * 106.19–48

1 2 Kg 21.1–18 1 Cor 10.14—11.1 Mt 8.28–34
2 Hos 14.1–9 Acts 22.30—23.11 Lk 6.39–49
Tue [120], 121, 122, 123 * 124, 125, 126, [127]

1 2 Kg 22.1–13 1 Cor 11.2, 17–22 Mt 9.1–8
2 Mic 1.1–9 Acts 23.12–24 Lk 7.1–17
Wed 119.145–176 * 128, 129, 130

1 2 Kg 22.14—23.3 1 Cor 11.23–34 Mt 9.9–17
2 Mic 2.1–13 Acts 23.23–35 Lk 7.18–35
Thu 131, 132, [133] * 134, 135

1 2 Kg 23.4–25 1 Cor 12.1–11 Mt 9.18–26
2 Mic 3.1–8 Acts 24.1–23 Lk 7.36–50
Fri 140, 142 * 141, 143.1–11(12)

1 2 Kg 23.36—24.17 1 Cor 12.12–26 Mt 9.27–34
2 Mic 3.9—4.5 Acts 24.24—25.12 Lk 8.1–15
Sat 137.1–6(7–9), 144 * 104

1 Jer 35.1–19 1 Cor 12.27—13.3 Mt 9.35—10.4
2 Mic 5.1–4, 10–15 Acts 25.13–27 Lk 8.16–25

Sun 146, 147 * 111, 112, 113
1 Jer 36.1–10 Acts 14.8–18 Lk 7.36–50
2 Mic 6.1–81 Cor 4.9–16 Mt 15.21–28
Mon 1, 2, 3 * 4, 7
1 Jer 36.11–26 1 Cor 13.(1–3), 4–13 Mt 10.5–15
2 Mic 7.1–7 Acts 26.1–23 Lk 8.26–39
Daily Office 489

Tue 5, 6 * 10, 11
1 Jer 36.27—37.2 1 Cor 14.1–12 Mt 10.16–23
2 Jon 1.1–17a Acts 26.24—27.8 Lk 8.40–56
Wed 119.1–24 * 12, 13, 14

1 Jer 37.3–21 1 Cor 14.13–25 Mt 10.24–33
2 Jon 1.17—2.10 Acts 27.9–26 Lk 9.1–17
Thu 18.1–20 * 18.21–50

1 Jer 38.1–13 1 Cor 14.26–33a, 37–40 Mt 10.34–42
2 Jon 3.1—4.11 Acts 27.27–44 Lk 9.18–27
Fri 16, 17 * 22
1 Jer 38.14–28 1 Cor 15.1–11 Mt 11.1–6
2 Sir 1.1–10, 18–27 Acts 28.1–6 Lk 9.28–36
Sat 20, 21.1–7(8–14) * 110.1–5(6–7), 116, 117

1 2 Kg 25.8–12, 22–26 1 Cor 15.12–29 Mt 11.7–15
2 Sir 3.17–31 Acts 28.17–31 Lk 9.37–50

Sun 148, 149, 150 * 114, 115
1 Jer 29.1, 4–14 Acts 16.6–15 Lk 10.1–12, 17–20
2 Sir 4.1–101 Cor 10.1–13 Mt 16.13–20
Mon 25 * 9, 15
1 Jer 44.1–14 1 Cor 15.30–41 Mt 11.16–24
2 Sir 4.20—5.7 Rev 7.1–8 Lk 9.51–62
Tue 26, 28 * 36, 39

1 Lam 1.1–5(6–9)10–12 1 Cor 15.41–50 Mt 11.25–30
2 Sir 6.5–17 Rev 7.9–17 Lk 10.1–16
Wed 38 * 119.25–48
1 Lam 2.8–15 1 Cor 15.51–58 Mt 12.1–14
2 Sir 7.4–14 Rev 8.1–13 Lk 10.17–24
Thu 37.1–18 * 37.19–42

1 Ezra 1.1–11 1 Cor 16.1–9 Mt 12.15–21
2 Sir 10.1–18 Rev 9.1–12 Lk 10.25–37
490 Daily Office

Fri 31 * 35
1 Ezra 3.1–13 1 Cor 16.10–24 Mt 12.22–32
2 Sir 11.2–20 Rev 9.13–21 Lk 10.38–42
Sat 30, 32 * 42, 43

1 Ezra 4.7, 11–24 Philem 1–25 Mt 12.33–42
2 Sir 15.9–20 Rev 10.1–11 Lk 11.1–13

Sun 63.1–8(9–11), 98 * 103
1 Hag 1.1—2.9 Acts 18.24—19.7 Lk 10.25–37
2 Sir 18.19–33 1 Cor 10.15–24 Mt 18.15–20
Mon 41, 52 * 44
1 Zech 1.7–17 Rev 1.4–20 Mt 12.43–50
2 Sir 19.4–17 Rev 11.1–14 Lk 11.14–26
Tue 45 * 47, 48
1 Ezra 5.1–17 Rev 4.1–11 Mt 13.1–9
2 Sir 24.1–12 Rev 11.14–19 Lk 11.27–36
Wed 119.49–72 * 49, [53]

1 Ezra 6.1–22 Rev 5.1–10 Mt 13.10–17
2 Sir 28.14–26 Rev 12.1–6 Lk 11.37–52
Thu 50 * [59, 60] or 103

1 Neh 1.1–11 Rev 5.11—6.11 Mt 13.18–23
2 Sir 31.12–18, 25—32.2 Rev 12.7–17 Lk 11.53—12.12
Fri 40, 54 * 51
1 Neh 2.1–20 Rev 6.12—7.4 Mt 13.24–30
2 Sir 34.1–8, 18–22 Rev 13.1–10 Lk 12.13–31
Sat 55 * 138, 139.1–17(18–23)

1 Neh 4.1–23 Rev 7.(4–8)9–17 Mt 13.31–35
2 Sir 35.1–17 Rev 13.11–18 Lk 12.32–48
Week of Sunday between 30 October and 5 November Proper 31

Sun 24, 29 * 8, 84
1 Neh 5.1–19 Acts 20.7–12 Lk 12.22–31
2 Sir 36.1–17 1 Cor 12.27—13.13 Mt 18.21–35
Daily Office 491

Mon 56, 57, [58] * 64, 65
1 Neh 6.1–19 Rev 10.1–11 Mt 13.36–43
2 Sir 38.24–34 Rev 14.1–13 Lk 12.49–59
Tue 61, 62 * 68.1–20(21–23)24–36

1 Neh 12.27–31a, 42b–47 Rev 11.1–19 Mt 13.44–52
2 Sir 43.1–22 Rev 14.14—15.8 Lk 13.1–9
Wed 72 * 119.73–96
1 Neh 13.4–22 Rev 12.1–12 Mt 13.53–58
2 Sir 43.23–33 Rev 16.1–11 Lk 13.10–17
Thu [70], 71 * 74
1 Ezra 7.(1–10)11–26 Rev 14.1–13 Mt 14.1–12
2 Sir 44.1–15 Rev 16.12–21 Lk 13.18–30
Fri 69.1–23(24–30)31–38 * 73
1 Ezra 7.27–28; 8.21–36 Rev 15.1–8 Mt 14.13–21
2 Sir 50.1, 11–24 Rev 17.1–18 Lk 13.31–35
Sat 75, 76 * 23, 27

1 Ezra 9.1–15 Rev 17.1–14 Mt 14.22–36
2 Sir 51.1–12 Rev 18.1–14 Lk 14.1–11
Week of Sunday between 6 and 12 November Proper 32

Sun 93, 96 * 34
1 Ezra 10.1–17 Acts 24.10–21 Lk 14.12–24
2 Sir 51.13–22 1 Cor 14.1–12 Mt 20.1–16
Mon 80 * 77, [79]

1 Neh 9.1–15(16–25) Rev 18.1–8 Mt 15.1–20
2 Jl 1.1–13 Rev 18.15–24 Lk 14.12–24
Tue 78.1–39 * 78.40–72

1 Neh 9.26–38 Rev 18.9–20 Mt 15.21–28
2 Jl 1.15–2.2(3–11) Rev 19.1–10 Lk 14.25–35
Wed 119.97–120 * 81, 82

1 Neh 7.73b—8.3, 5–18 Rev 18.21–24 Mt 15.29–39
2 Jl 2.12–19 Rev 19.11–21 Lk 15.1–10
492 Daily Office

Thu [83] or 23, 27 * 85, 86
1 1 Macc 1.1–28 Rev 19.1–10 Mt 16.1–12
2 Jl 2.21–27 Jas 1.1–15 Lk 15.1–2, 11–32
Fri 88 * 91, 92
1 1 Macc 1.41–63 Rev 19.11–16 Mt 16.13–20
2 Jl 2.28—3.8 Jas 1.16–27 Lk 16.1–9
Sat 87, 90 * 136

1 1 Macc 2.1–28 Rev 20.1–6 Mt 16.21–28
2 Jl 3.9–17 Jas 2.1–13 Lk 16.10–17(18)
Week of Sunday between 13 and 19 November Proper 33

Sun 66, 67 * 19, 46
1 1 Macc 2.29–43, 49–50 Acts 28.14b–23 Lk 16.1–13
2 Hab 1.1–4(5–11)12—2.1 Phil 3.13—4.1 Mt 23.13–24
Mon 89.1–18 * 89.19–52

1 1 Macc 3.1–24 Rev 20.7–15 Mt 17.1–13
2 Hab 2.1–4, 9–20 Jas 2.14–26 Lk 16.19–31
Tue 97, 99, [100] * 94, [95]

1 1 Macc 3.25–41 Rev 21.1–8 Mt 17.14–21
2 Hab 3.1–10(11–15)16–18 Jas 3.1–12 Lk 17.1–10
Wed 101, 109.1–4(5–19)20–30 * 119.121–144

1 1 Macc 3.42–60 Rev 21.9–21 Mt 17.22–27
2 Mal 1.1, 6–14 Jas 3.13—4.12 Lk 17.11–19
Thu 105.1–22 * 105.23–45

1 1 Macc 4.1–25 Rev 21.22—22.5 Mt 18.1–9
2 Mal 2.1–16 Jas 4.13—5.6 Lk 17.20–37
Fri 102 * 107.1–32

1 1 Macc 4.36–59 Rev 22.6–13 Mt 18.10–20
2 Mal 3.1–12 Jas 5.7–12 Lk 18.1–8
Sat 107.33–43, 108.1–6(7–13) * 33

1 Is 65.17–25 Rev 22.14–21 Mt 18.21–35
2 Mal 3.13—4.6 Jas 5.13–20 Lk 18.9–14
Daily Office 493

Week of the Reign of Christ between 20 and 26 November Proper 34
Sun 118 * 145
1 Is 19.19–25 Rom 15.5–13 Lk 19.11–27
2 Zech 9.9–16 1 Pet 3.13–22 Mt 21.1–13
Mon 106.1–18 * 106.19–48

1 Jl 3.1–2, 9–17 1 Pet 1.1–12 Mt 19.1–12
2 Zech 10.1–12 Gal 6.1–10 Lk 18.15–30
Tue [120], 121, 122, 123 * 124, 125, 126, [127]

1 Nah 1.1–13 1 Pet 1.13–25 Mt 19.13–22
2 Zech 11.4–17 1 Cor 3.10–23 Lk 18.31–43
Wed 119.145–176 * 128, 129, 130

1 Ob 15–21 1 Pet 2.1–10 Mt 19.23–30
2 Zech 12.1–10 Eph 1.3–14 Lk 19.1–10
Thu 131, 132, [133] * 134, 135

1 Zeph 3.1–13 1 Pet 2.11–25 Mt 20.1–16
2 Zech 13.1–9 Eph 1.15–23 Lk 19.11–27
Fri 140, 142 * 141, 143.1–11(12)

1 Is 24.14–23 1 Pet 3.13—4.6 Mt 20.17–28
2 Zech 14.1–11 Rom 15.7–13 Lk 19.28–40
Sat 137.1–6(7–9), 144 * 104

1 Mic 7.11–20 1 Pet 4.7–19 Mt 20.29–34
2 Zech 14.12–21 Phil 2.1–11 Lk 19.41–48
Holy Days
11 Jan Holy Innocents 2, 26 * 19, 126
or 28 Dec M Is 49.13–23 Mt 18.1–14
E Is 54.1–13 Mk 10.13–16
18 Jan Confession of St Peter the Apostle 66, 67 * 118

M Ezek 3.4–11 Acts 10.34–44
E Ezek 34.11–16 Jn 21.15–22
25 Jan Conversion of St Paul the Apostle 19 * 119.89–112

M Is 45.18–25 Phil 3.4b–11
E Sir 39.1–10 Acts 9.1–22
494 Daily Office

Eve of the Presentation * 113, 122
1 Sam 1.20–28a Rom 8.14–21
2 Feb Presentation of the Lord 42, 43 * 48, 87

M 1 Sam 2.1–10 Jn 8.31–36
E Hag 2.1–9 1 Jn 3.1–8
19 Mar St Joseph 132 * 34

M Is 63.7–16 Mt 1.18–25
E 2 Chr 6.12–17 Eph 3.14–21
Eve of the Annunciation * 8, 138

Gen 3.1–15 Rom 5.12–21 or Gal 4.1–7
25 Mar Annunciation 85, 87 * 110.1–5(6–7), 132

M Is 52.7–12 Heb 2.5–10
E Wis 9.1–12 Jn 1.9–14
25 Apr St Mark 145 * 67, 96

M Sir 2.1–11 Acts 12.25—13.3
E Is 62.6–12 2 Tim 4.1–11
1 May St Philip and St James 119.137–160 * 139

M Job 23.1–12 Jn 1.43–51
E Pr 4.7–18 Jn 12.20–26
6 May St John the Evangelist 97, 98 * 145

or 27 Dec M Pr 8.22–30 Jn 13.20–35
E Is 44.1–8 1 Jn 5.1–12
14 May St Matthias 80 * 33
M 1 Sam 16.1–13 1 Jn 2.18–25
E 1 Sam 12.1–5 Acts 20.17–35
Eve of the Visitation * 132

Is 11.1–10 Heb 2.11–18
31 May The Visit of Mary to Elizabeth 72 * 146, 147

M 1 Sam 1.1–20 Heb 3.1–6
E Zech 2.10–13 Jn 3.25–30
Daily Office 495

11 Jun St Barnabas 15, 67 * 19, 146
M Sir 31.3–11 Acts 4.32–37
E Job 29.1–16 Acts 9.26–31
Eve of St John * 103

Sir 48.1–11 Lk 1.5–23
24 Jun Birth of St John the Baptist 82, 98 * 80

M Mal 3.1–5 Jn 3.22–30
E Mal 4.1–6 Mt 11.2–19
29 Jun St Peter and St Paul 66 * 97, 138

M Ezek 2.1–7 Acts 11.1–18
E Is 49.1–6 Gal 2.1–9
3 Jul St Thomas 23, 121 * 27

M Job 42.1–6 1 Pet 1.3–9
E Is 43.8–13 Jn 14.1–7
22 Jul St Mary Magdalene 116 * 30, 149

M Zeph 3.14–20 Mk 15.37—16.7
E Ex 15.19–21 2 Cor 1.3–7
25 Jul St James the Apostle 34 * 33

M Jer 16.14–21 Mk 1.14–20
E Jer 26.1–15 Mt 10.16–32
3 Aug St Stephen 28, 30 * 118

or 26 Dec M 2 Chr 24.17–22 Acts 6.1–7
E Wis 4.7–15 Acts 7.59—8.8
Eve of the Transfiguration * 84

1 Kg 19.1–12 2 Cor 3.1–9, 18
6 Aug Transfiguration of the Lord 2, 24 * 72

M Ex 24.12–18 2 Cor 4.1–6
E Dan 7.9–10, 13–14 Jn 12.27–36a
15 Aug St Mary the Virgin 113, 115 * 45 or 138, 149

M 1 Sam 2.1–10 Jn 2.1–12
E Jer 31.1–14 or Zech 2.10–13 Jn 19.23–27 or Acts 1.6–14
496 Daily Office

24 Aug St Bartholomew 86 * 15, 67
M Gen 28.10–17 Jn 1.43–51
E Is 66.1–2, 18–23 1 Pet 5.1–11
29 Aug Beheading of St John the Baptist 102 * 86

M Jer 38.1–6 Rev 7.13–17
E Jg 16.28–30 1 Pet 3.13–18
Eve of Holy Cross * 46, 87

1 Kg 8.22–30 Eph 2.11–22
14 Sep Holy Cross Day 66 * 118

M Num 21.4–9 Jn 3.11–17
E Gen 3.1–15 1 Pet 3.17–22
21 Sep St Matthew 119.41–64 * 19, 112

M Is 8.11–20 Rom 10.1–15
E Job 28.12–28 Mt 13.44–52
29 Sep St Michael and All Angels 8, 148 * 34, 150 or 104

M Job 38.1–7 Heb 1.1–14
E Dan 12.1–3 or 2 Kg 6.8–17 Mk 13.21–27 or Rev 5.1–14
18 Oct St Luke 103 * 67, 96

M Ezek 47.1–12 Lk 1.1–4
E Is 52.7–10 Acts 1.1–8
28 Oct St Simon and St Jude 66 * 116, 117

M Is 28.9–16 Eph 4.1–16
E Is 4.2–6 Jn 14.15–31
Eve of All Saints * 34

Wis 3.1–9 Rev 19.1, 4–10
1 Nov All Saints' Day 111, 112 * 148, 150

M 2 Esd 2.42–47 Heb 11.32—12.2
E Wis 5.1–5, 14–16 Rev 21.1–4, 22—22.5
30 Nov St Andrew 34 * 96, 100

M Is 49.1–6 1 Cor 4.1–16
E Is 55.1–5 Jn 1.35–42
Daily Office 497

Concerning the Weekday Eucharistic Lectionary
The Weekday Lectionary is intended primarily for use at celebrations of the
eucharist on days for which the Lectionary does not provide readings.
The Weekday Lectionary is arranged in a two–year cycle. Year 1 always
begins on the First Sunday of Advent in years divisible by two (1986, 1988,
etc.).
Two daily readings are provided. All references to readings are based on the
Revised Standard Version of the Bible. Versification varies among
translations; if another translation is being used, the RSV should be checked.
Suggestions on p. 266 for the adaptation of excerpted texts for public reading
should be consulted.
All references to psalms are based on the psalter appended to this book; if
another translation is used, that psalter should be checked. Verse selections
are suggested for many psalms, but selections may be lengthened or shortened
as appropriate.
The Collect, the Prayer over the Gifts, and the Prayer after Communion of the
previous Sunday may be used on ordinary weekdays, except that one of the
sets of Christmas prayers may be used on ordinary weekdays between
Christmas Day and the First Sunday after Christmas, and the prayers of Ash
Wednesday may be used between Ash Wednesday and the First Sunday of
Lent.
Signs
1—Year 1
2—Year 2
C—Canticle
498 Weekday Eucharist

Weekday Eucharistic Lectionary
Advent
Week of 1 Advent
Mon Is 2.1–5 (Year 1 Is 4.2–6) Ps 122 Mt 8.5–13
Tue Is 11.1–10 Ps 72.1–8 Lk 10.21–24
Wed Is 25.6–9 Ps 23 Mt 15.29–39
Thu Is 26.1–6 Ps 118.19–24 Mt 7.21–27
Fri Is 29.17–24 Ps 27.1–6, 17–18 Mt 9.27–31
Sat Is 30.19–21, 23–26 Ps 147.1–12 Mt 9.35—10.1, 5–8
Week of 2 Advent
Mon Is 35.1–10 Ps 85.8–13 Lk 5.17–26
Tue Is 40.1–11 Ps 96 Mt 18.12–14
Wed Is 40.25–31 Ps 103.1–10 Mt 11.28–30
Thu Is 41.13–20 Ps 145.1–4, 8–13 Mt 11.7–15
Fri Is 48.17–19 Ps 1 Mt 11.16–19
Sat Sir 48.1–11 Ps 80.1–3, 14–18 Mt 17.9–13
Week of 3 Advent
Mon Num 24.2–7, 15–17a Ps 25.3–8 Mt 21.23–27
Tue Zeph 3.1–2, 9–13 Ps 34.1–8, 15–22 Mt 21.28–32
Wed Is 45.5–8(9–17), 18–25 Ps 85.8–13 Lk 7.19–23
Thu Is 54.1–10 Ps 30 Lk 7.24–30
Fri Is 56.1–8 Ps 67 Jn 5.33–36
17 to 24 December
17 Gen 49.2, 8–10 Ps 72.1–8 Mt 1.1–7, 17
18 Jer 23.5–8Ps 72.11–19 Mt 1.18–25
19 Jg 13.2–7, 24–25 Ps 71.1–8 Lk 1.5–25
20 Is 7.10–14 Ps 24 Lk 1.26–38
21 S of S 2.8–14 or Zeph 3.14–18a Ps 33.1–5, 20–22 Lk 1.39–45
22 1 Sam 1.19–28 C 3 or Ps 113 or Ps 122 Lk 1.46–56
23 Mal 3.1–5 Ps 25.1–14 Lk 1.57–66
24 2 Sam 7.1–16 Ps 89.1–4, 19–29 Lk 1.67–79
Weekday Eucharist 499

Christmas and Epiphany
26 to 31 December
26 1 Jn 1.1–4 Ps 136.1–9, 23–26 Jn 1.1–5
27 1 Jn 1.5–10 Ps 27.5–13 Jn 1.6–14
28 1 Jn 2.1–6 Ps 16 Mt 2.13–18
29 1 Jn 2.7–11 Ps 96.1–9 Lk 2.22–35
30 1 Jn 2.12–17 Ps 96.7–10 Lk 2.36–40
31 1 Jn 2.18–21 Ps 96.1–2, 11–13 Jn 1.1–18
2 to 12 January
2 1 Jn 2.22–29 Ps 98.1–5 Jn 1.19–28
3 1 Jn 3.1–6 Ps 98.1–2, 4–7 Jn 1.29–34
4 1 Jn 3.7–10 Ps 98.1–2, 8–10 Jn 1.35–42
5 1 Jn 3.11–18 Ps 100 Jn 1.43–51
7 1 Jn 3.18—4.6 Ps 2 Mt 4.12–17, 23–25
8 1 Jn 4.7–12 Ps 72.1–8 Mk 6.30–44
9 1 Jn 4.11–19 Ps 72.1–2, 10–13 Mk 6.45–52
10 1 Jn 4.19—5.4 Ps 72.1–2, 14–19 Lk 4.14–22
11 1 Jn 5.5–12 Ps 147.13–21 Lk 5.12–16
12 1 Jn 5.13–21 Ps 149.1–4 Jn 3.22–30
The Monday after the Baptism of the Lord begins the Ferial Cycle.
Lent
Thu Dt 30.15–20 Ps 1 Lk 9.18–25
Fri Is 58.1–9a Ps 51.1–4, 17–18 Mt 9.14–17
Sat Is 58.9b–14 Ps 86.1–6 Lk 5.27–32
Week of 1 Lent
Mon Lev 19.1–2, 11–18 Ps 19.7–14 Mt 25.31–46
Tue Is 55.10–11 Ps 34.1–8(15–22) Mt 6.7–15
Wed Jon 3.1–10 Ps 51.1–2, 11–13 Lk 11.29–32
Thu Ad Est 14.1, 3–5, 12–14 Ps 138 Mt 7.7–12
Fri Ezek 18.21–28 Ps 130 Mt 5.20–26
Sat Dt 26.16–19 Ps 119.1–8 Mt 5.43–48

Week of 2 Lent
Mon Dan 9.3–10 Ps 79 Lk 6.36–38
Tue Is 1.10–20 Ps 50.7–15 Mt 23.1–12
Wed Jer 18.18–20 Ps 31.1–5, 13–16 Mt 20.17–28
Thu Jer 17.5–10 Ps 1 Lk 16.19–31
Fri Gen 37.3–4, 12–28 Ps 17.1–8 Mt 21.33–46
Sat Mic 7.14–20 Ps 103.1–12 Lk 15.1–3, 11–32
Week of 3 Lent
Mon 2 Kg 5.1–15a Ps 42.1–2, 11–15 Lk 4.24–30
Tue S of 3 Y 1.2, 11–20 Ps 25.3–8 Mt 18.21–35
Wed Dt 4.1, 5–10 Ps 147.13–21 Mt 5.17–20
Thu Jer 7.21–28 Ps 95.1–9 Lk 11.14–23
Fri Hos 14.1–9 Ps 81 Mk 12.28–34
Sat Hos 5.13—6.6 Ps 51.1–2, 17–20 Lk 18.9–14
Week of 4 Lent
Mon Is 65.17–21 Ps 30 Jn 4.43–54
Tue Ezek 47.1–9, 12 Ps 46 Jn 5.1–18
Wed Is 49.8–15 Ps 145.8–15 Jn 5.19–30
Thu Ex 32.7–14 Ps 103.1–12 Jn 5.31–47
Fri Wis 2.1a, 12–22 Ps 34.15–22 Jn 7.1–2, 10, 25–30
Sat Jer 11.18–20 Ps 7.1–2, 9–12 Jn 7.40–53
Week of 5 Lent
Mon Sus 1.1–9, 15–17, 19–30, 33–62 or Sus 1.41c–62 Ps 23 Jn 8.1–11
Tue Num 21.4–9 Ps 102.1–2, 15–22 Jn 8.21–30
Wed Dan 3.13–28 C 13 or Ps 24.1–6 Jn 8.31–47
Thu Gen 17.3–9 Ps 105.1–9 Jn 8.51–59
Fri Jer 20.7–13 Ps 18.1–7 Jn 10.31–42
Sat Ezek 37.21b–28 C 8 or Ps 121 Jn 11.45–57

Easter Season
Easter Week
Mon Acts 2.14, 22–32 Ps 16.1, 5–11 Mt 28.8–15
Tue Acts 2.14, 36–41 Ps 33.1–5, 18–22 Jn 20.11–18
Wed Acts 3.1–10 Ps 105.1–9 Lk 24.13–35
Thu Acts 3.11–26 Ps 8 or 114 Lk 24.36b–48
Fri Acts 4.1–12 Ps 116.1–8 Jn 21.1–14
Sat Acts 4.13–21 Ps 118.1–4, 22–29 Mk 16.9–15
Week of 2 Easter
Mon Acts 4.23–31 Ps 2 Jn 3.1–8
Tue Acts 4.32–37 Ps 93 Jn 3.7–15
Wed Acts 5.17–26 Ps 34.1–8 Jn 3.16–21
Thu Acts 5.27–33 Ps 34.15–22 Jn 3.31–36
Fri Acts 5.34–42 Ps 27.1–8, 17–18 Jn 6.1–15
Sat Acts 6.1–7 Ps 33.1–5, 18–22 Jn 6.16–21
Week of 3 Easter
Mon Acts 6.8–15 Ps 119.161–168 Jn 6.22–29
Tue Acts 7.51—8.1a Ps 31.1–5 Jn 6.30–35
Wed Acts 8.1b–8 Ps 66.1–6 Jn 6.35–40
Thu Acts 8.26–40 Ps 66.7–8, 14–18 Jn 6.44–51
Fri Acts 9.1–20 Ps 117 Jn 6.52–59
Sat Acts 9.31–42 Ps 116.10–17 Jn 6.60–69
Week of 4 Easter
Mon Acts 11.1–18 Ps 43 Jn 10.1–10
Tue Acts 11.19–26 Ps 87 Jn 10.22–30
Wed Acts 12.24—13.5a Ps 67 Jn 12.44–50
Thu Acts 13.13–25 Ps 89.1–2, 19–26 Jn 13.16–20
Fri Acts 13.26–33 Ps 2 Jn 14.1–7
Sat Acts 13.44–52 Ps 98 Jn 14.7–14

Week of 5 Easter
Mon Acts 14.5–18 Ps 115.1–12 Jn 14.21–26
Tue Acts 14.19–27 Ps 145.10–13, 22 Jn 14.27–31a
Wed Acts 15.1–6 Ps 122 Jn 15.1–8
Thu Acts 15.7–21 Ps 57.6–11 Jn 15.12–17
Sat Acts 16.1–10 Ps 100 Jn 15.18–21
Week of 6 Easter
Mon Acts 16.11–15 Ps 149 Jn 15.26—16.4a
Tue Acts 16.19b–34 Ps 138 Jn 16.4b–11
Wed Acts 17.15, 22—18.8 Ps 148 Jn 16.12–20
Thu Ascension Day
Fri Acts 18.9–18 Ps 47.1–6 Jn 16.20–24
Sat Acts 18.23–28 Ps 47.1–2, 7–10 Jn 16.23b–28
Week of 7 Easter
Mon Acts 19.1–10 Ps 68.1–6 Jn 16.29–33
Tue Acts 20.17–27 Ps 68.7–20 Jn 17.1–11a
Wed Acts 20.28–38 Ps 68.28–36 Jn 17.11b–19
Thu Acts 22.30; 23.6–11 Ps 16 Jn 17.20–26
Fri Acts 25.13–21 Ps 103.1–2, 19–22 Jn 21.15–19
Sat Acts 28.16–20, 30–31 Ps 11 Jn 21.20–25
Week of the Baptism of the Lord–Proper 1

Mon
1 Heb 1.1–6 Ps 97 Mk 1.14–20
2 1 Sam 1.1–8 Ps 116.10–17 Mk 1.14–20
Tue
1 Heb 2.5–12 Ps 8 Mk 1.21–28
2 1 Sam 1.9–20 C 18 or Ps 123 Mk 1.21–28
Wed
1 Heb 2.14–18 Ps 105.1–15 Mk 1.29–39
2 1 Sam 3.1–20 Ps 40.1–10 Mk 1.29–39
Thu
1 Heb 3.1–14 Ps 95.6–11 Mk 1.40–45
2 1 Sam 4.1c–11 Ps 44.7–14, 23–26 Mk 1.40–45

Fri
1 Heb 4.1–5, 11 Ps 78.3–8 Mk 2.1–12
2 1 Sam 8.4–7, 10–22a Ps 89.15–18 Mk 2.1–12
Sat
1 Heb 4.12–16 Ps 19.7–14 Mk 2.13–17
2 1 Sam 9.1–4,15–19; 10.1ab (not c) Ps 21.1–7 Mk 2.13–17
Week of Proper 2
Mon
1 Heb 5.1–10 Ps 110 Mk 2.18–22
2 1 Sam 15.16–23 Ps 50.7–15, 24 Mk 2.18–22
Tue
1 Heb 6.10–20 Ps 111 Mk 2.23–28
2 1 Sam 16.1–13 Ps 89.19–27 Mk 2.23–28
Wed
1 Heb 7.1–3, 15–17 Ps 110 Mk 3.1–6
2 1 Sam 17.32–51 Ps 144.1–10 Mk 3.1–6
Thu
1 Heb 7.23—8.7 Ps 40.8–12, 17–19 Mk 3.7–12
2 1 Sam 18.6–9; 19.1–8 Ps 56 Mk 3.7–12
Fri
1 Heb 8.6–13 Ps 85.7–13 Mk 3.13–19
2 1 Sam 24.2–20 Ps 57 Mk 3.13–19
Sat
1 Heb 9.2–3, 11–14 Ps 47 Jn 8.51–59
2 2 Sam 1.1–4, 11–12, 19–27 Ps 80.1–7 Jn 8.51–59
Week of Proper 3
Mon
1 Heb 9.15, 24–28 Ps 98 Mk 3.19b–30
2 2 Sam 5.1–7, 10 Ps 89.19–28 Mk 3.19b–30
Tue
1 Heb 10.1–10 Ps 40.1–11 Mk 3.31–35
2 2 Sam 6.12b–19 Ps 24.7–10 Mk 3.31–35

Wed
1 Heb 10.11–18 Ps 110.1–4 Mk 4.1–20
2 2 Sam 7.4–17 Ps 89.1–4 Mk 4.1–20
Thu
1 Heb 10.19–25 Ps 24.1–6 Mk 4.21–25
2 2 Sam 7.18–19, 24 – 29 Ps 132.1–5, 11–15 Mk 4.21–25
Fri
1 Heb 10.32–39 Ps 37.1–7, 24–25, 41–42 Mk 4.26–34
2 2 Sam 11.1–17 Ps 51.1–10 Mk 4.26–34
Sat
1 Heb 11.1–2, 8–19 C 19 or Ps 89.19–29 Mk 4.35–41
2 2 Sam 12.1–25 Ps 51.11–18 Mk 4.35–41
Week of Proper 4
Mon
1 Heb 11.32–40 Ps 31.19–24 Mk 5.1–20
2 2 Sam 15.13–14, 30; 16.5–14 Ps 3 Mk 5.1–20
Tue
1 Heb 12.1–4 Ps 22.22–30 Mk 5.21–43
2 2 Sam 18.9–14, 24—19.3 Ps 86.1–6 Mk 5.21–43
Wed
1 Heb 12.4–7, 11–15 Ps 103.1–2, 13–18 Mk 6.1–6
2 2 Sam 24.2, 9–17 Ps 32.1–8 Mk 6.1–6
Thu
1 Heb 12.18–24 Ps 48.1–3, 7–9 Mk 6.7–13
2 1 Kg 2.1–4, 10–12 Ps 132.10–19 Mk 6.7–13
Fri
1 Heb 13.1–8 Ps 27.1–13 Mk 6.14–29
2 Sir 47.2–11 Ps 18.31–33, 46–50 Mk 6.14–29
Sat
1 Heb 13.9–17, 20–21 Ps 23 Mk 6.30–34
2 1 Kg 3.3–14 Ps 119.9–16 Mk 6.30–34

Week of Proper 5
Readings for days between Ash Wednesday and 1 Lent are found on page 500.
Mon
1 Gen 1.1–19 Ps 104.1–12, 25 Mk 6.53–56
2 1 Kg 8.1–7, 9–13 Ps 132.6–10 Mk 6.53–56
Tue
1 Gen 1.20—2.4a Ps 8 Mk 7.1–13
2 1 Kg 8.22–23, 27–30 Ps 84 Mk 7.1–13
Wed
1 Gen 2.4b–9, 15–17 Ps 104.25, 28–31 Mk 7.14–23
2 1 Kg 10.1–10 Ps 37.1–7, 32–33, 41–42 Mk 7.14–23
Thu
1 Gen 2.18–25 Ps 128 Mk 7.24–30
2 1 Kg 11.4–13 Ps 132.11–19 Mk 7.24–30
Fri
1 Gen 3.1–8 Ps 32.1–8 Mk 7.31–37
2 1 Kg 11.29–32; 12.19 Ps 81.8–16 Mk 7.31–37
Sat
1 Gen 3.9–24 Ps 90.1–12 Mk 8.1–10
2 1 Kg 12.26–33; 13.33–34 Ps 106.19–22 Mk 8.1–10
Week of Proper 6
Mon
1 Gen 4.1–15, 25 Ps 50.7–24 Mk 8.11–13
2 Jas 1.1–11 Ps 119.65–72 Mk 8.11–13
Tue
1 Gen 6.5–8; 7.1–5, 10 Ps 29 Mk 8.14–21
2 Jas 1.12–18 Ps 94.12–19 Mk 8.14–21
Wed
1 Gen 8.6–13, 20–22 Ps 116.10–17 Mk 8.22–26
2 Jas 1.19–27 Ps 15 Mk 8.22–26
Thu
1 Gen 9.1–13 Ps 102.15–22 Mk 8.27–33
2 Jas 2.1–9 Ps 72.1–4, 13–14 Mk 8.27–33

Fri
1 Gen 11.1–9 Ps 33.6–18 Mk 8.34—9.1
2 Jas 2.14–26 Ps 112 Mk 8.34—9.1
Sat
1 Heb 11.1–7 Ps 145.1–4, 10–13 Mk 9.2–13
2 Jas 3.1–10 Ps 12.1–7 Mk 8.2–13
Week of Proper 7
Mon
1 Sir 1.1–10 Ps 93 Mk 9.14–29
2 Jas 3.13–18 Ps 19.7–14 Mk 9.14–29
Tue
1 Sir 2.1–11 Ps 37.3–6, 27–28 Mk 9.30–37
2 Jas 4.1–10 Ps 51.11–18 Mk 9.30–37
Wed
1 Sir 4.11–19 Ps 119.161–168 Mk 9.38–41
2 Jas 4.13–17 Ps 49.1–9, 16–20 Mk 9.38–41
Thu
1 Sir 5.1–8 Ps 1 Mk 9.42–50
2 Jas 5.1–6 Ps 49.12–19 Mk 9.42–50
Fri
1 Sir 6.5–17 Ps 119.17–24 Mk 10.1–12
2 Jas 5.9–12 Ps 103.1–4, 8–13 Mk 10.1–12
Sat
1 Sir 17.1–15 Ps 103.1–4, 13–18 Mk 10.13–16
2 Jas 5.13–20 Ps 141 Mk 10.13–16
Week of Proper 8
Mon
1 Sir 17.24–29 Ps 32.1–8 Mk 10.17–27
2 1 Pet 1.3–9 Ps 111 Mk 10.17–27
Tue
1 Sir 35.1–12 Ps 50.7–15 Mk 10.28–31
2 1 Pet 1.10–16 Ps 98 Mk 10.28–31

Wed
1 Sir 36.1–2, 5–6, 13–17 Ps 79.8–13 Mk 10.32–45
2 1 Pet 1.18—2.1 Ps 147.13–21 Mk 10.32–45
Thu
1 Sir 42.15–25 Ps 33.1–9 Mk 10.46–52
2 1 Pet 2.2–5, 9–12 Ps 100 Mk 10.46–52
Fri
1 Sir 44.1–13 Ps 149.1–5 Mk 11.11–26
2 1 Pet 4.7–13 Ps 96.7–13 Mk 11.11–26
Sat
1 Sir 51.11b–22 Ps 19.7–14 Mk 11.27–33
2 Jude 1.17–25 Ps 63.1–8 Mk 11.27–33
Week of Proper 9
Mon
1 Tob 1.1–2; 2.1–8 Ps 112.1–6 Mk 12.1–12
2 2 Pet 1.2–7 Ps 91 Mk 12.1–12
Tue
1 Tob 2.9–14 Ps 112.1–2, 7–9 Mk 12.13–17
2 2 Pet 3.11–18 Ps 90.1–6, 13–17 Mk 12.13–17
Wed
1 Tob 3.1–11, 16–17 Ps 25.1–8 Mk 12.18–27
2 2 Tim 1.1–12 Ps 123 Mk 12.18–27
Thu
1 Tob 6.9–11; 7.1–15; 8.4–8 Ps 128 Mk 12.28–34
2 2 Tim 2.8–15 Ps 25.1–12 Mk 12.28–34
Fri
1 Tob 11.5–15 Ps 146 Mk 12.35–37
2 2 Tim 3.10–17 Ps 119.161–168 Mk 12.35–37
Sat
1 Tob 12.1, 5–15, 20 Ps 65.1–4 Mk 12.38–44
2 2 Tim 4.1–8 Ps 71.8–17 Mk 12.38–44

Week of Proper 10
Mon
1 2 Cor 1.1–7 Ps 34.1–8 Mt 5.1–12
2 1 Kg 17.1–6 Ps 121 Mt 5.1–12
Tue
1 2 Cor 1.18–22 Ps 119.129–136 Mt 5.13–16
2 1 Kg 17.7–16 Ps 4 Mt 5.13–16
Wed
1 2 Cor 3.4–11 Ps 99 Mt 5.17–19
2 1 Kg 18.20–39 Ps 16.1, 6–11 Mt 5.17–19
Thu
1 2 Cor 3.12—4.6 Ps 85.7–13 Mt 5.20–26
2 1 Kg 18.41–46 Ps 65.1, 8–14 Mt 5.20–26
Fri
1 2 Cor 4.7–15 Ps 116.9–17 Mt 5.27–32
2 1 Kg 19.9–16 Ps 27.10–18 Mt 5.27–32
Sat
1 2 Cor 5.14–21 Ps 103.1–12 Mt 5.33–37
2 1 Kg 19.19–21 Ps 16.1–7 Mt 5.33–37
Week of Proper 11
Mon
1 2 Cor 6.1–10 Ps 98 Mt 5.38–42
2 1 Kg 21.1–16 Ps 5.1–6 Mt 5.38–42
Tue
1 2 Cor 8.1–9 Ps 146 Mt 5.43–48
2 1 Kg 21.17–29 Ps 51.1–11 Mt 5.43–48
Wed
1 2 Cor 9.6–11 Ps 112.1–9 Mt 6.1–6, 16–18
2 2 Kg 2.1, 6–14 Ps 31.19–24 Mt 6.1–6, 16–18
Thu
1 2 Cor 11.1–11 Ps 111 Mt 6.7–15
2 Sir 48.1–14 Ps 97 Mt 6.7–15

Fri
1 2 Cor 11.18, 21b–30 Ps 34.1–6 Mt 6.19–23
2 2 Kg 11.1–4, 9–20 Ps 132.11–19 Mt 6.19–23
Sat
1 2 Cor 12.1–10 Ps 34.7–14 Mt 6.24–34
2 2 Chr 24.17–25 Ps 89.19–33 Mt 6.24–34
Week of Proper 12
Mon
1 Gen 12.1–9 Ps 33.12–22 Mt 7.1–5
2 2 Kg 17.5–8, 13–18 Ps 60 Mt 7.1–5
Tue
1 Gen 13.2, 5–18 Ps 15 Mt 7.6, 12–14
2 2 Kg 19.9–21, 31–36 Ps 48 Mt 7.6, 12–14
Wed
1 Gen 15.1–12, 17–18 Ps 105.1–9 Mt 7.15–20
2 2 Kg 22.8–13; 23.1–3 Ps 119.33–40 Mt 7.15–20
Thu
1 Gen 16.1–12, 15–16 Ps 106.1–5 Mt 7.21–29
2 2 Kg 24.8–17 Ps 79 Mt 7.21–29
Fri
1 Gen 17.1, 9–10, 15–22 Ps 128 Mt 8.1–4
2 2 Kg 25.1–12 Ps 137.1–6 Mt 8.1–4
Sat
1 Gen 18.1–15 C 18 or Ps 123 Mt 8.5–17
2 Lam 2.2, 10–14, 18–19 Ps 74.1–8, 17–20 Mt 8.5–17
Week of Proper 13
Mon
1 Gen 18.16–33 Ps 103.1–10 Mt 8.18–22
2 Am 2.6–10, 13–16 Ps 50.14–24 Mt 8.18–22
Tue
1 Gen 19.15–29 Ps 26 Mt 8.23–27
2 Am 3.1–8; 4.11–12 Ps 5 Mt 8.23–27

Wed
1 Gen 21.5, 8–20 Ps 34.1–8 Mt 8.28–34
2 Am 5.14–15, 21–24 Ps 50.7–15 Mt 8.28–34
Thu
1 Gen 22.1–14 Ps 116.1–8 Mt 9.1–8
2 Am 7.10–17 Ps 19.7–10 Mt 9.1–8
Fri
1 Gen 23.1–4, 19; 24.1–8, 62–67 Ps 106.1–5 Mt 9.9–13
2 Am 8.4–6, 9–12 Ps 119.1–8 Mt 9.9–13
Sat
1 Gen 27.1–9, 15–29 Ps 135.1–6 Mt 9.14–17
2 Am 9.11–15 Ps 85.7–13 Mt 9.14–17
Week of Proper 14
Mon
1 Gen 28.10–22 Ps 91.1–6, 14–16 Mt 9.18–26
2 Hos 2.16–23 Ps 145.1–9 Mt 9.18–26
Tue
1 Gen 32.22–32 Ps 17.1–8 Mt 9.32–38
2 Hos 8.4–7, 11-13 Ps 115.1–10 Mt 9.32–38
Wed
1 Gen 41.55–57; 42.5–7a, 17–24a Ps 33.1–4, 18–22 Mt 10.1–7
2 Hos 10.1–3, 7–8, 12 Ps 105.1–7 Mt 10.1–7
Thu
1 Gen 44.18—45.5 Ps 105.7–21 Mt 10.7–15
2 Hos 11.1–9 Ps 80.1–7 Mt 10.7–15
Fri
1 Gen 46.1–7, 28–30 Ps 37.3–4, 19–20, 28–29, 41–42
Mt 10.16–23
2 Hos 14.1–9 Ps 51.1–12 Mt 10.16–23
Sat
1 Gen 49.29–33 Ps 105.1–7 Mt 10.24–33
2 Is 6.1–8 Ps 93 Mt 10.24–33

Week of Proper 15
Mon
1 Ex 1.8–14, 22 Ps 124 Mt 10.34—11.1
2 Is 1.10–17 Ps 50.7–15 Mt 10.34 —11.1
Tue
1 Ex 2.1–15 Ps 69.1–2, 31–38 Mt 11.20–24
2 Is 7.1–9 Ps 48 Mt 11.20–24
Wed
1 Ex 3.1–12 Ps 103.1–7 Mt 11.25–27
2 Is 10.5–7, 13–16 Ps 94.5–15 Mt 11.25–27
Thu
1 Ex 3.13–20 Ps 105.1–15 Mt 11.28–30
2 Is 26.7–9, 12, 16–19 Ps 102.12–22 Mt 11.28–30
Fri
1 Ex 11.10—12.14 Ps 116.10–17 Mt 12.1–8
2 Is 38.1–6, 21 Ps 6 Mt 12.1–8
Sat
1 Ex 12.37–42 Ps 136.1–3, 10–15 Mt 12.14–21
2 Mic 2.1–5 Ps 10.1–9, 18–19 Mt 12.14–21
Week of Proper 16
Mon
1 Ex 14.5–18 C 1 or Ps 114 Mt 12.38–42
2 Mic 6.1–8 Ps 50.5–15 Mt 12.38–42
Tue
1 Ex 14.21—15.1 C 1 or Ps 114 Mt 12.46–50
2 Mic 7.14–15, 18–20 Ps 85.1–7 Mt 12.46–50
Wed
1 Ex 16.1–5, 9–15 Ps 78.18–29 Mt 13.1–9
2 Jer 1.1, 4–10 Ps 71.1–6, 15–17 Mt 13.1–9
Thu
1 Ex 19.1–20 C 13 or Ps 24.1–6 Mt 13.10–17
2 Jer 2.1–3, 7–13 Ps 36.5–10 Mt 13.10–17

Fri
1 Ex 20.1–17 Ps 19.7–10 Mt 13.18–23
2 Jer 3.14–18 C 8 or Ps 121 Mt 13.18–23
Sat
1 Ex 24.3–8 Ps 50.1–15 Mt 13.24–30
2 Jer 7.1–11Ps 84 Mt 13.24–30
Week of Proper 17
Mon
1 Ex 32.15–24, 30 – 34 Ps 106.19–23 Mt 13.31–35
2 Jer 13.1–11 Ps 95 Mt 13.31–35
Tue
1 Ex 33.7–11; 34.5–10, 27 – 28 Ps 103.5–13 Mt 13.36–43
2 Jer 14.17–22 Ps 79.9–13 Mt 13.36–43
Wed
1 Ex 34.29–35 Ps 99 Mt 13.44–46
2 Jer 15.10, 15–21 Ps 59.1–4, 18–20 Mt 13.44–46
Thu
1 Ex 40.16–21, 34–38 Ps 84 Mt 13.47–53
2 Jer 18.1–6 Ps 146.1–5 Mt 13.47–53
Fri
1 Lev 23.1–11, 26–38 Ps 81.1–10 Mt 13.54–58
2 Jer 26.1–9 Ps 69.1–9, 14–15 Mt 13.54–58
Sat
1 Lev 25.1, 8–17 Ps 67 Mt 14.1–12
2 Jer 26.11–16, 24 Ps 69.16–17, 31–35 Mt 14.1–12
Week of Proper 18
Mon
1 Num 11.4–15 Ps 81.10–16 Mt 14.22–36
2 Jer 28.1–17 Ps 119.89–96 Mt 14.13–21
Tue
1 Num 12.1-13 Ps 51.1-12 Mt 15.1-2, 10-14
2 Jer 30.1–2, 12–22 Ps 102.16–22 Mt 14.22–36

Wed
1 Num 13.1–2, 25—14.1, 26–35 Ps 106.6–14, 21–23
Mt 15.21–28
2 Jer 31. 1–7 C8 or Ps 121 Mt 15.21–28
Thu
1 Num 20.1–13 Ps 95.1–9 Mt 16.13–23
2 Jer 31.31–34 Ps 51.11–18 Mt 16.13–23
Fri
1 Dt 4.32–40 Ps 77.11–20 Mt 16.24–28
2 Nah 1.15; 2.2; 3.1–3, 6–7 Ps 124 Mt 16.24–28
Sat
1 Dt 6.4–13 Ps 18.1–2, 48–50 Mt 17.14–20
2 Hab 1.12—2.4 Ps 9.7–12 Mt 17.14–20
Week of Proper 19
Mon
1 Dt 10.12–22 Ps 148 Mt 17.22–27
2 Ezek 1.1–5, 24–28 Ps 148.1–4, 13–14 Mt 17.22–27
Tue
1 Dt 31.1–8 Ps 111 Mt 18.1–5, 10, 12–14
2 Ezek 2.8—3.4 Ps 119.65–72 Mt 18.1–5, 10, 12–14
Wed
1 Dt 34.1–12 Ps 66.1–8 Mt 18.15–20
2 Ezek 9.1–7; 10.18–22 Ps 113 Mt 18.15–20
Thu
1 Jos 3.7–17 Ps 114 Mt 18.21—19.1
2 Ezek 12.1–16 Ps 39.11–15 Mt 18.21—19.1
Fri
1 Jos 24.1–13 Ps 136.1–3, 16–22 Mt 19.3–12
2 Ezek 16.1–15, 59–63 C 6 or Ps 11 Mt 19.3–12
Sat
1 Jos 24.14–29 Ps 16.1, 5–11 Mt 19.13–15
2 Ezek 18.1–13, 30–32 Ps 51.11–18 Mt 19.13–15

Week of Proper 20
Mon
1 Jg 2.11–19 Ps 51.1–10 Mt 19.16–22
2 Ezek 24.15–24 Ps 79.1–8 Mt 19.16–22
Tue
1 Jg 6.11–24a Ps 85.8–13 Mt 19.23–30
2 Ezek 28.1–10 Ps 60.1–5 Mt 19.23–30
Wed
1 Jg 9.6–15 Ps 21.1–6 Mt 20.1–16a
2 Ezek 34.1–11 Ps 23 Mt 20.1–16a
Thu
1 Jg 11.29–40 Ps 130 Mt 22.1–14
2 Ezek 36.22–28 Ps 51.8–13 Mt 22.1–14
Fri
1 Ru 1.1–22 Ps 146 Mt 22.34–40
2 Ezek 37.1–14 Ps 107.1–8 Mt 22.34–40
Sat
1 Ru 2.1–11; 4.13 – 17 Ps 128 Mt 23.1–12
2 Ezek 43.1–7 Ps 85.8–13 Mt 23.1–12
Week of Proper 21
Mon
1 1 Th 1.1–10 Ps 149.1–5 Mt 23.13–22
2 2 Th 1.1–5, 11–12 Ps 96.1–5 Mt 23.13–22
Tue
1 1 Th 2.1–8 Ps 139.1–9 Mt 23.23–26
2 2 Th 2.1–17 Ps 96.7–13 Mt 23.23–26
Wed
1 1 Th 2.9–13 Ps 126 Mt 23.27–32
2 2 Th 3.6–10, 16–18 Ps 128 Mt 23.27–32
Thu
1 1 Th 3.6–13 Ps 90.13–17 Mt 24.42–51
2 1 Cor 1.1–9 Ps 145.1–7 Mt 24.42–51

Fri
1 1 Th 4.1–8 Ps 97 Mt 25.1–13
2 1 Cor 1.17–25 Ps 33.1–11 Mt 25.1–13
Sat
1 1 Th 4.9–12 Ps 98 Mt 25.14–30
2 1 Cor 1.26–31 Ps 33.12–22 Mt 25.14–30
Week of Proper 22
Mon
1 1 Th 4.13–18 Ps 96 Lk 4.16–30
2 1 Cor 2.1–5 Ps 119.97–103 Lk 4.16–30
Tue
1 1 Th 5.1–11 Ps 27.1–6, 17–18 Lk 4.31–37
2 1 Cor 2.10–16 Ps 145.8–15 Lk 4.31–37
Wed
1 Col 1.1–8 Ps 34.9–22 Lk 4.38–44
2 1 Cor 3.1–9 Ps 62 Lk 4.38–44
Thu
1 Col 1.9–14 Ps 98 Lk 5.1–11
2 1 Cor 3.18–23 Ps 24.1–6 Lk 5.1–11
Fri
1 Col 1.15–20 Ps 100 Lk 5.33–39
2 1 Cor 4.1–5 Ps 37.1–12 Lk 5.33–39
Sat
1 Col 1.21–23 Ps 54 Lk 6.1–5
2 1 Cor 4.6–15 Ps 145.14–22 Lk 6.1–5
Week of Proper 23
Mon
1 Col 1.24—2.3 Ps 62.1–7 Lk 6.6–11
2 1 Cor 5.1–8 Ps 5 Lk 6.6–11
Tue
1 Col 2.6–15 Ps 145.1–9 Lk 6.12–19
2 1 Cor 6.1–11 Ps 149.1–5 Lk 6.12–19

Wed
1 Col 3.1–11 Ps 145.10–13 Lk 6.20–26
2 1 Cor 7.25–31 Ps 45.11–18 Lk 6.20–26
Thu
1 Col 3.12–17 Ps 150 Lk 6.27–38
2 1 Cor 8.1–13 Ps 139.1–9, 22–23 Lk 6.27–38
Fri
1 1 Tim 1.1–2, 12–14 Ps 16 Lk 6.39–42
2 1 Cor 9.16–27 Ps 84 Lk 6.39–42
Sat
1 1 Tim 1.15–17 Ps 113 Lk 6.43–49
2 1 Cor 10.14–22 Ps 116.10–17 Lk 6.43–49
Week of Proper 24
Mon
1 1 Tim 2.1–8 Ps 28 Lk 7.1–10
2 1 Cor 11.17–28, 33 Ps 40.8–12 Lk 7.1–10
Tue
1 1 Tim 3.1–13 Ps 101 Lk 7.11–17
2 1 Cor 12.12–14, 27–31 Ps 100 Lk 7.11–17
Wed
1 1 Tim 3.14–16 Ps 111.1–6 Lk 7.31–35
2 1 Cor 12.31—13.13 Ps 33.1–12, 22 Lk 7.31–35
Thu
1 1 Tim 4.12–16 Ps 111.7–10 Lk 7.36–50
2 1 Cor 15.1–11 Ps 118.14–29 Lk 7.36–50
Fri
1 1 Tim 6.1–12 Ps 49.1–9 Lk 8.1–3
2 1 Cor 15.12–20 Ps 17.1–7 Lk 8.1–3
Sat
1 1 Tim 6.13–16 Ps 100 Lk 8.4–15
2 1 Cor 15.35–49 Ps 30.1–5 Lk 8.4–15

Week of Proper 25
Mon
1 Ezra 1.1–6 Ps 126 Lk 8.16–18
2 Pr 3.27–35 Ps 15 Lk 8.16–18
Tue
1 Ezra 6.1–8, 12–19 Ps 124 Lk 8.19–21
2 Pr 21.1–6, 10–13 Ps 119.1–8 Lk 8.19–21
Wed
1 Ezra 9.5–9 C 7 or Ps 48 Lk 9.1–6
2 Pr 30.5–9 Ps 119.105–112 Lk 9.1–6
Thu
1 Hag 1.1–8 Ps 149.1–5 Lk 9.7–9
2 Ec 1.1–11 Ps 90.1–6 Lk 9.7–9
Fri
1 Hag 2:1—9 Ps 43 Lk 9.18–22
2 Ec 3.1–11 Ps 144.1–4 Lk 9.18–22
Sat
1 Zech 2.1–11 C 8 or Ps 121 Lk 9.43b–45
2 Ec 11.9—12.8 Ps 90.1–2, 12–17 Lk 9.43b–45
Week of Proper 26
Mon
1 Zech 8.1–8 Ps 102.11–22 Lk 9.46–50
2 Job 1.6–22 Ps 17.1–7 Lk 9.46–50
Tue
1 Zech 8.20–23 Ps 87 Lk 9.51–56
2 Job 3.1–3, 11–23 Ps 88.1–8 Lk 9.51–56
Wed
1 Neh 2.1–8 Ps 137.1–6 Lk 9.57–62
2 Job 9.1–16 Ps 88.10–15 Lk 9.57–62
Thu
1 Neh 8.1–12 Ps 19.7–10 Lk 10.1–12
2 Job 19.21–27 Ps 27.10–18 Lk 10.1–12

Fri
1 Bar 1.15–21 Ps 79.1–9 Lk 10.13–16
2 Job 38.1, 12–21; 40.1–5 Ps 139.1–17 Lk 10.13–16
Sat
1 Bar 4.5–12, 27–29 Ps 69.34–38 Lk 10.17–24
2 Job 42.1–6, 12–17 Ps 119.169–176 Lk 10.17–24
Week of Proper 27
Mon
1 Jon 1.1–17; 2.10 Ps 130 Lk 10.25–37
2 Gal 1.6–12 Ps 111.1–6 Lk 10.25–37
Tue
1 Jon 3.1–10 Ps 6 Lk 10.38–42
2 Gal 1.13–24 Ps 139.1–14 Lk 10.38–42
Wed
1 Jon 4.1–11 Ps 86.1–10 Lk 11.1–4
2 Gal 2.1–2, 7-14 Ps 117 Lk 11.1–4
Thu
1 Mal 3.13—4.2a Ps 1 Lk 11.5–13
2 Gal 3.1–5 C19 or Ps 89.19–29 Lk 11.5–13
Fri
1 Jl 1.13–15; 2.1–2 Ps 9.1–8 Lk 11.14–26
2 Gal 3.7–14 Ps 111.4–10 Lk 11.14–26
Sat
1 Jl 3.12–21 Ps 97 Lk 11.27–28
2 Gal 3.21–29 Ps 105.1–7 Lk 11.27–28
Week of Proper 28
Mon
1 Rom 1.1–7 Ps 98 Lk 11.29–32
2 Gal 4.21—5.1 Ps 113 Lk 11.29–32
Tue
1 Rom 1.16–25 Ps 19.1–4 Lk 11.37–41
2 Gal 5.1–6 Ps 119.41–48 Lk 11.37–41

Wed
1 Rom 2.1–11 Ps 62.1–9 Lk 11.42–46
2 Gal 5.16–25 Ps 1 Lk 11.42–46
Thu
1 Rom 3.21–31 Ps 130 Lk 11.47–54
2 Eph 1.1–10 Ps 98 Lk 11.47–54
Fri
1 Rom 4.1–8 Ps 32 Lk 12.1–7
2 Eph 1.11–14 Ps 33.1–12 Lk 12.1–7
Sat
1 Rom 4.13–18 Ps 105.5–10, 42–45 Lk 12.8–12
2 Eph 1.15–23 Ps 8 Lk 12.8–12
Week of Proper 29
Mon
1 Rom 4.13, 19–25 C 19 or Ps 89.19–29 Lk 12.13–21
2 Eph 2.1–10 Ps 100 Lk 12.13–21
Tue
1 Rom 5.6–21 Ps 40.8–11 Lk 12.35–38
2 Eph 2.11–22 Ps 85.8–13 Lk 12.35–38
Wed
1 Rom 6.12–18 Ps 124 Lk 12.39–48
2 Eph 3.2–12 C 3 or Ps 113 or 122 Lk 12.39–48
Thu
1 Rom 6.19–23 Ps 1 Lk 12.49–53
2 Eph 3.14–21 Ps 33.1–11 Lk 12.49–53
Fri
1 Rom 7.18–25a Ps 119.33–40 Lk 12.54–59
2 Eph 4.1–6 Ps 24.1–6 Lk 12.54–59
Sat
1 Rom 8.1–11 Ps 24.1–6 Lk 13.1–9
2 Eph 4.7–16 Ps 122 Lk 13.1–9

Week of Proper 30
Mon
1 Rom 8.12–17 Ps 68.1–6, 19–20 Lk 13.10–17
2 Eph 5.1–8 Ps 1 Lk 13.10–17
Tue
1 Rom 8.18–25 Ps 126 Lk 13.18–21
2 Eph 5.21–33 Ps 128 Lk 13.18–21
Wed
1 Rom 8.26–30 Ps 13 Lk 13.22–30
2 Eph 6.1–9 Ps 145.10–19 Lk 13.22–30
Thu
1 Rom 8.31–39 Ps 30 Lk 13.31–35
2 Eph 6.10–20 Ps 144.1–10 Lk 13.31–35
Fri
1 Rom 9.1–5 Ps 147.13–21 Lk 14.1–6
2 Phil 1.1–11 Ps 111 Lk 14.1–6
Sat
1 Rom 11.1–6, 11–12, 25–29 Ps 94.14–19 Lk 14.1, 7–11
2 Phil 1.12–26 Ps 42.1–7 Lk 14.1, 7–11
Week of Proper 31
Mon
1 Rom 11.29–36 Ps 69.31–38 Lk 14.12–14
2 Phil 2.1–4 Ps 131 Lk 14.12–14
Tue
1 Rom 12.1–16 Ps 131 Lk 14.15–24
2 Phil 2.5–11 Ps 22.22–28 Lk 14.15–24
Wed
1 Rom 13.8–10 Ps 112 Lk 14.25–33
2 Phil 2.12–18 Ps 27.1–6, 17–18 Lk 14.25–33
Thu
1 Rom 14.7–12 Ps 27.1–6, 17–18 Lk 15.1–10
2 Phil 3.3–8a Ps 105.1–7 Lk 15.1–10

Fri
1 Rom 15.14–21 Ps 98 Lk 16.1–8
2 Phil 3.17—4.1 Ps 122 Lk 16.1–8
Sat
1 Rom 16.3–9, 16, 22–27 Ps 145.1–7 Lk 16.9–15
2 Phil 4.10–19 Ps 112 Lk 16.9–15
Week of Proper 32
Mon
1 Wis 1.1–7 Ps 139.1–9 Lk 17.1–6
2 Tit 1.1–9 Ps 24.1–6 Lk 17.1–6
Tue
1 Wis 2.23—3.9 Ps 34.15–22 Lk 17.7–10
2 Tit 2.1–14 Ps 37.1–6, 28–29 Lk 17.7–10
Wed
1 Wis 6.1–11 Ps 82 Lk 17.11–19
2 Tit 3.1–7 Ps 23 Lk 17.11–19
Thu
1 Wis 7.21—8.1 Ps 119.89–96 Lk 17.20–25
2 Philem 1.4–20 Ps 146 Lk 17.20–25
Fri
1 Wis 13.1–9 Ps 19.1–4 Lk 17.26–37
2 2 Jn 4–9 Ps 119.1–8 Lk 17.26–37
Sat
1 Wis 18.14–16; 19.6–9 Ps 105.1–6, 37–45 Lk 18.1–8
2 3 Jn 5–8 Ps 112 Lk 18.1–8
Week of Proper 33
Mon
1 1 Macc 1.1–15, 54–57, 62–64 Ps 79 Lk 18.35–43
2 Rev 1.1–4; 2.1–5 Ps 1 Lk 18.35–43
Tue
1 2 Macc 6.18–31 Ps 3 Lk 19.1–10
2 Rev 3.1–6, 14–22 Ps 15 Lk 19.1–10

Wed
1 2 Macc 7.1, 20–31, 39–42 Ps 17.1–8 Lk 19.11–28
2 Rev 4.1–11 Ps 150 Lk 19.11–28
Thu
1 1 Macc 2.15–29 Ps 129 Lk 19.41–44
2 Rev 5.1–10 Ps 149.1–5 Lk 19.41–44
Fri
1 1 Macc 4.36–37, 52–59 C 3 or Ps 113 or 122 Lk 19.45–48
2 Rev 10.8–11 Ps 119.65–72 Lk 19.45–48
Sat
1 1 Macc 6.1–13 Ps 124 Lk 20.27–40
2 Rev 11.1–12 Ps 144.1–10 Lk 20.27–40
Week of the Reign of Christ—Proper 34

Mon
1 Dan 1.1–20 C 13 or Ps 24.1–6 Lk 21.1–4
2 Rev 14.1–5 Ps 24.1–6 Lk 21.1–4
Tue
1 Dan 2.31–45 C 14 or Ps 96 Lk 21.5–9
2 Rev 14.14–20 Ps 96 Lk 21.5–9
Wed
1 Dan 5.1–6, 13–28 C 14 or Ps 98 Lk 21.10–19
2 Rev 15.1–4 Ps 98 Lk 21.10–19
Thu
1 Dan 6.6–27 C 14 or Ps 99 Lk 21.20–28
2 Rev 18.1–2, 21—19.3, 9 Ps 100 Lk 21.20–28
Fri
1 Dan 7.1–14 C 15 or Ps 93 Lk 21.29–33
2 Rev 20.1–4, 11—21.4 Ps 84 Lk 21.29–33
Sat
1 Dan 7.15–27 C 16 or Ps 95.1–7 Lk 21.34–36
2 Rev 22.1–7 Ps 95.1–7 Lk 21.34–36

A Short Table of Psalms and Readings
In the Morning
Psalms 51, 63.1–8, 95.1–7, 100, 148, 149, 150.
Deuteronomy 4.39–40, Deuteronomy 6.4–9, Isaiah 55.1–3, Matthew 5.1–12,

John 14.15–17, Romans 12.9–13, Romans 12.14–21, I John 2.7–10.
At Mid–Day
Psalms 19.1–6, 91, a portion of 119, 122, 124, 126, 127, 128, 130.
Isaiah 60.19–21, Malachi 1.11, John 15.12–17, 2 Corinthians 5.17–18,

Galatians 5.22–25.
In the Early Evening

Psalms 23, 117, 121, 140, 141.
Isaiah 62.6–7, 10–12, Hosea 6.1–3, Matthew 15.32–38, Mark 4.35–41,

Mark 8.1–10, Mark 8.34–38, Luke 12.32–40, Romans 5.6–11,
Ephesians 6.10–18, Philippians 4.4–9, Colossians 3.12–17.
In the Late Evening

Psalms 4, 31.1–5, 91.
Isaiah 45.18–19, Hosea 14.4–7, 9, Luke 24.13–17, 28–35, Luke 24.36–43,

John 3.1–8, John 21.4–8, John 21.9–14, John 21.15–17,
Ephesians 1.3–14, 1 Timothy 6.12–16, Titus 2.11–14, Hebrews 12.1–2,
I Peter 5.6–11, Revelation 22.1–5.
524 Short Table

Pastoral Offices
Concerning Marriage in the Church
The Canon Law concerning Marriage in the Church is contained in Canon
XXI of General Synod. The rubrics that follow are intended to apply the
directions of the Canon to the services, and the full text of the Canon should
be consulted where necessary.
Marriage is a public service of the Church. It should therefore be solemnized
in the body of the church (except for sufficient cause to the contrary) in the
presence of the friends and neighbours of those who come to be married and of
the congregation of the Church.
The requirements of the civil laws of the province or territory must be met.
It shall be the duty of those who intend to marry to give notice to the minister
at least sixty days before the day proposed for the wedding. The minister may
at his/her discretion waive this requirement for sufficient cause, in which case
the bishop of the diocese shall be notified in writing, with a statement of the
cause for the decision.
It shall be the duty of the minister, when application is made for a marriage to
be solemnized, to enquire whether there is any impediment to the marriage
and its solemnization. It shall also be the duty of the minister to provide or
secure appropriate means of education, so that all who seek marriage in the
Church may attain a Christian understanding of its purpose and may be
encouraged to give effect, with God’s help, to the vows which they are
preparing to make.
No minister shall solemnize the marriage of two persons neither of whom has
been baptized. If two persons, one of whom has not been baptized, desire to be
married, the matter shall be referred to the bishop of the diocese; the bishop’s
order and direction shall be followed.
When banns are to be published, they shall be published in the church where
the marriage is to be celebrated and in any other church as required by civil
law. In addition they may be published in any other church at the request of a
party to the marriage. The following form of banns appears in Canon XXI:
The minister shall say together with such addition as the civil law may
require:
526 Marriage
I publish the Banns of Marriage between N
of . . . and N of . . . If any of you know cause or just
impediment why these two persons should not be joined
together in Holy Matrimony, you are to declare it. This is
the first (or second or third) time of asking.
Any person knowing of a lawful reason why a marriage may not be
solemnized should inform the officiating minister before the service.

Every marriage shall be solemnized in the presence of at least two witnesses in
addition to the officiating minister.
The incumbent shall be responsible for the conduct of the marriage service.
Hymns, anthems, and readings at the service shall be those only which may
be found in Holy Scripture, in the Book of Common Prayer, the Hymn
Book, or in texts approved by ecclesiastical authority. Relatives or members of
the wedding party may be invited to read the scripture lessons and lead the
intercessions.
Where both bride and bridegroom are entitled to receive communion, it is
desirable that the form of service in which the marriage rite is incorporated in
the celebration of the eucharist be used (p. 528).
A proper preface for Marriage has been provided for Eucharistic Prayer 3.
One of the other eucharistic prayers may be used, if desired.
Variations in the text may be made by the couple with the consent of the
minister, according to diocesan policy, but no alterations may be made in the
declarations to be made by the parties or in the marriage vows themselves.
Suitable points in the service for hymns or anthems are at the opening, before
or after the sermon, after the couple have been declared to be husband and
wife, during or after the communion, or at the close of the service. It may be
necessary to provide seating for the bridal party if there is to be a sermon.
When the form of service on page 541 is celebrated by a deacon, the nuptial
blessing and the blessing of the ring(s) shall be appropriately changed.
It is desirable that the register be signed publicly in the body of the church.
Marriage 527
The Celebration and
Blessing of a Marriage
with the Holy Eucharist

The people stand. The bride and bridegroom stand before the celebrant.
be with you all.
Celebrant Dear friends, we have come together in the
presence of God to witness the marriage of N and
N, and to rejoice with them.
Marriage is a gift of God and a means of his grace,
in which man and woman become one flesh. It is
God’s purpose that, as husband and wife give
themselves to each other in love, they shall grow
together and be united in that love, as Christ is
united with his Church.
The union of man and woman in heart, body, and
mind is intended for their mutual comfort and help,
that they may know each other with delight and
tenderness in acts of love [and that they may be
blessed in the procreation, care, and upbringing of
children].
In marriage, husband and wife give themselves to
each other, to care for each other in good times and
in bad. They are linked to each other’s families, and
they begin a new life together in the community.
528 Marriage
It is a way of life that all should reverence, and none
should lightly undertake.
If anyone present knows a reason why N and N
may not lawfully marry, they must declare it now.
N and N, if either of you knows a reason why you
may not lawfully marry, you must declare it now.
N and N have come to enter this holy state. They
have complied with Civil and Canon Law and have
been duly prepared to enter into marriage. They
will each give their consent to the other; they will
exchange solemn vows, and in token of this, they
will (each) give and receive a ring.
We pray with them that by God’s help they may
fulfil his purpose for the whole of their earthly life
together.
Let us pray.
God our Father,
that love is the fulfilling of the law.
Grant to these your servants
that loving one another
they may continue in your love
until their lives’ end;
People Amen.

Two or three readings, including a Gospel reading, shall normally be read.
Members of the family and friends of the bride and groom may read lessons.
A psalm, canticle, hymn, anthem, or period of silence may follow the lessons.
Suggested readings may be found on p. 549. The readings and the response
shall be selected in consultation with the bride and groom.
Marriage 529
At the conclusion of readings from the Old Testament and the New
Testament writings other than the Gospels, the reader says,

according to . . .
A sermon may follow.
The Wedding
The people stand. The celebrant says to the bridegroom,
N will you give yourself to N to be her husband:
to love her, comfort her, honour and protect her;
and forsaking all others, to be faithful to her
so long as you both shall live?
Bridegroom I will.
The celebrant says to the bride,
N will you give yourself to N to be his wife:
to love him, comfort him, honour and protect him;
and forsaking all others, to be faithful to him
Bride I will.
530 Marriage
The celebrant may address the following question to the families of the bride
and bridegroom.
Do you, members of the families of N and N, give
your blessing to this marriage?
Answer We do.
The celebrant addresses the following to all present.
You are the witnesses to these vows now being
made. Will you do all in your power to support and
uphold this marriage?
Answer We will.
The bride and bridegroom face each other and join hands.
Bridegroom I N take you N to be my wife,
to have and to hold
from this day forward;
for better, for worse,
for richer, for poorer,
in sickness and in health,
to love and to cherish
for the rest of our lives,
according to God’s holy law.
This is my solemn vow.
Bride I N take you N to be my husband,
to have and to hold
Marriage 531
They loose hands. The celebrant receives the ring(s) and addresses the
congregation in these or similar words.
let us ask God to bless this ring,
that it may be a symbol of the vow and covenant
N and N have made this day.
The community may pray silently. The celebrant then says,
Blessed are you,
source of our joy and end of our hope.
Bless this ring given and received
N and N have made this day,
People Amen.
The bridegroom (and the bride in her turn) places the ring on the ring-finger
of the other’s hand and says,
N, I give you this ring
as a symbol of my vow.
With all that I am and all that I have,
I honour you in the name of God.
The bride and bridegroom join right hands.
Celebrant N and N have joined themselves to each other by
solemn vows, signified by the joining of hands and
the giving and receiving of a ring. I declare that they
are husband and wife, in the name of the Father,
and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.
Those whom God has joined together let no one put
asunder.
People Amen.

The Prayers of the People may be led by a friend or member of a family of the
bride or groom, or by the celebrant or another minister.
532 Marriage
Leader Let us pray.
Almighty God, in whom we live and move and
have our being, look graciously upon the world
which you have made and for which your Son gave
his life, and especially on all whom you make to be
one flesh in holy marriage. May their lives together
be a sacrament of your love to this broken world, so
that unity may overcome estrangement, forgiveness
heal guilt, and joy overcome despair.
Lord, in your mercy,
People Hear our prayer.
Leader May N and N so live together that the strength of
their love may enrich our common life and become
a sign of your faithfulness.
[Leader May they receive the gift and heritage of children
and the grace to bring them up to know and
love you.
People Hear our prayer.]
Leader May their home be a place of truth, security, and
love; and their lives an example of concern for
others.
Lord, in your mercy;
Leader May those who have witnessed these vows find
their lives strengthened and their loyalties
confirmed.
Other suitable prayers may be used.
Marriage 533
The Blessing of the Marriage
The people remain standing. The husband and wife kneel, and the celebrant
says one of the following prayers.
Most gracious God, we give you thanks for your
tender love in sending Jesus Christ to come among
us, to be born of a human mother, and to make the
way of the cross to be the way of life. We thank
you, also, for consecrating the union of man and
woman in his name. By the power of your Holy
Spirit, pour out the abundance of your blessing
upon this man and this woman. Defend them from
every enemy. Lead them into all peace. Let their
love for each other be a seal upon their hearts, a
mantle about their shoulders, and a crown upon
their foreheads. Bless them in their work and in
their companionship; in their sleeping and in their
waking; in their joys and in their sorrows; in their
life and in their death. Finally, in your mercy, bring
them to that table where your saints feast for ever in
your heavenly home; through Jesus Christ our
Lord, who with you and the Holy Spirit lives and
reigns, one God, for ever and ever.
People Amen.
Or
Celebrant O God, you have so consecrated the covenant of
marriage that in it is represented the spiritual unity
between Christ and his Church. Send therefore
your blessing upon these your servants, that they
may so love, honour, and cherish each other in
faithfulness and patience, in wisdom and true
godliness, that their home may be a haven of
blessing and peace; through Jesus Christ our Lord,
People Amen.
534 Marriage
The husband and wife still kneeling, the celebrant adds this blessing.
God the Father, God the Son, God the Holy Spirit,
bless, preserve, and keep you; the Lord mercifully
with his favour look upon you, and fill you with all
spiritual benediction and grace; that you may
faithfully live together in this life, and in the age to
come have life everlasting.
People Amen.
The Peace
The newly married couple may greet each other. The register may be signed at
this time or before the dismissal.
The Liturgy of the Eucharist

The bread and wine may be presented to the celebrant by the husband and
wife. When the gifts have been prepared, the celebrant may say the Prayer
over the Gifts, as follows:
God of the covenant, hear our prayer,
and accept all we offer you this day.
You have made N and N one
in the sacrament of marriage.
May the mystery of Christ’s unselfish love,
which we celebrate in this eucharist,
increase their love for you and for each other;
through Christ our Lord.
People Amen.
Marriage 535
Celebrant Blessed are you, gracious God,
in the assembly of your people.
You made us in your image:
You give us the gift of marriage
and call us to reflect your faithfulness
as we serve one another
in the bond of covenant love.
Therefore we raise our voices,
with all who have served you in every age,
Jesus your Son.
536 Marriage
this is my body, which is given for you.
he gave it to them,
Marriage 537
and make them new,
now and for ever.
People Amen.
The Lord’s Prayer

your kingdom come,
your will be done,
Forgive us our sins
538 Marriage
Or
we are bold to say,
thy kingdom come,
thy will be done,
Silence
The celebrant breaks the consecrated bread for distribution, and may say,
We break the bread of life,
and that life is the light of the world.
All God here among us,
light in the midst of us,
bring us to light and life.
The Communion
Celebrant The gifts of God for the People of God.
The celebrant receives the sacrament first and then delivers it to the husband
and wife, and to such of the congregation as wish to receive communion.
Marriage 539
During the communion, hymns or anthems may be sung.

Standing, the community prays in silence. The celebrant then says,

Gracious God,
may N and N, who have been bound together
in these holy mysteries,
become one in heart and soul.
May they live in fidelity and peace
and obtain those eternal joys
prepared for all who love you;
through your Son, Jesus Christ the Lord.
People Amen.
The Dismissal
The celebrant may bless the people. The deacon, or other leader, dismisses the
people saying,
From Easter Day through the Day of Pentecost, Alleluia may be added to
the dismissal and the people’s response.
540 Marriage
The Celebration and
Blessing of a Marriage
This service will be used when there is to be no celebration of the eucharist.

The people stand. The bride and bridegroom stand before the celebrant.
be with you all.
Celebrant Dear friends, we have come together in the
presence of God to witness the marriage of N and
N, and to rejoice with them.
Marriage is a gift of God and a means of his grace,
in which man and woman become one flesh. It is
God’s purpose that, as husband and wife give
themselves to each other in love, they shall grow
together and be united in that love, as Christ is
united with his Church.
The union of man and woman in heart, body, and
mind is intended for their mutual comfort and help,
that they may know each other with delight and
tenderness in acts of love [and that they may be
blessed in the procreation, care, and upbringing of
children].
In marriage, husband and wife give themselves to
each other, to care for each other in good times and
in bad. They are linked to each other’s families, and
they begin a new life together in the community.
Marriage 541
It is a way of life that all should reverence, and none
should lightly undertake.
If anyone present knows a reason why N and N
may not lawfully marry, they must declare it now.
N and N, if either of you knows a reason why you
may not lawfully marry, you must declare it now.
N and N have come to enter this holy state. They
have complied with Civil and Canon Law and have
been duly prepared to enter into marriage. They
will each give their consent to the other; they will
exchange solemn vows, and in token of this, they
will (each) give and receive a ring.
We pray with them that by God’s help they may
fulfil his purpose for the whole of their earthly life
together.
Let us pray.
God our Father,
that love is the fulfilling of the law.
Grant to these your servants
that loving one another
they may continue in your love
until their lives’ end;
People Amen.

One or more readings, including a Gospel reading, shall normally be read.
Members of the family and friends of the bride and groom may read lessons.
A psalm, canticle, hymn, anthem, or period of silence may follow the lessons.
Suggested readings may be found on p. 549. The readings and the response
shall be selected in consultation with the bride and groom.
542 Marriage
At the conclusion of readings from the Old Testament and the New
Testament writings other than the Gospels, the reader says,

according to . . .
A sermon may follow.
The Wedding
The people stand. The celebrant says to the bridegroom,
N will you give yourself to N to be her husband:
to love her, comfort her, honour and protect her;
and forsaking all others, to be faithful to her
Bridegroom I will.
The celebrant says to the bride,
N will you give yourself to N to be his wife:
to love him, comfort him, honour and protect him;
and forsaking all others, to be faithful to him
Bride I will.
Marriage 543
The celebrant may address the following question to the families of the bride
and bridegroom.
Do you, members of the families of N and N, give
your blessing to this marriage?
Answer We do.
The celebrant addresses the following to all present.
You are the witnesses to these vows now being made.
Will you do all in your power to support and uphold
this marriage?
Answer We will.
The bride and bridegroom face each other and join hands.
Bridegroom I N take you N to be my wife,
to have and to hold
Bride I N take you N to be my husband,
to have and to hold
544 Marriage
They loose hands. The celebrant receives the ring(s) and addresses the
congregation in these or similar words.
let us ask God to bless this ring,
N and N have made this day.
The community may pray silently. The celebrant then says,
Blessed are you,
source of our joy and end of our hope.
Bless this ring given and received
N and N have made this day,
People Amen.
The bridegroom (and the bride in her turn) places the ring on the ring-finger
of the other’s hand and says,
N, I give you this ring
as a symbol of my vow.
With all that I am and all that I have,
I honour you in the name of God.
The bride and bridegroom join right hands.
Celebrant N and N have joined themselves to each other by
solemn vows, signified by the joining of hands and
the giving and receiving of a ring. I declare that they
are husband and wife, in the name of the Father,
and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.
Those whom God has joined together let no one put
asunder.
People Amen.
The register may be signed at this time or at the end of the service.
Marriage 545
The Prayers of the People may be led by a friend or member of a family of the
bride or groom, or by the celebrant or another minister.
Leader Let us pray.
Almighty God, in whom we live and move and
have our being, look graciously upon the world
which you have made and for which your Son gave
his life, and especially on all whom you make to be
one flesh in holy marriage. May their lives together
be a sacrament of your love to this broken world, so
that unity may overcome estrangement, forgiveness
heal guilt, and joy overcome despair.
Leader May N and N so live together that the strength of
their love may enrich our common life and become
a sign of your faithfulness.
[Leader May they receive the gift and heritage of children
and the grace to bring them up to know and love
you.
People Hear our prayer.]
Leader May their home be a place of truth, security, and
love; and their lives an example of concern for
others.
Leader May those who have witnessed these vows find
their lives strengthened and their loyalties
confirmed.
546 Marriage
Other suitable prayers may be used.
The Lord’s Prayer

Celebrant Gathering our prayers and praises into one,
your kingdom come,
your will be done,
Forgive us our sins
Or
we are bold to say,
thy kingdom come,
thy will be done,
Marriage 547
The Blessing of the Marriage
The people remain standing. The husband and wife kneel, and the celebrant
says one of the following prayers.
Most gracious God, we give you thanks for your
tender love in sending Jesus Christ to come among
us, to be born of a human mother, and to make the
way of the cross to be the way of life. We thank
you, also, for consecrating the union of man and
woman in his name. By the power of your Holy
Spirit, pour out the abundance of your blessing
upon this man and this woman. Defend them from
every enemy. Lead them into all peace. Let their
love for each other be a seal upon their hearts, a
mantle about their shoulders, and a crown upon
their foreheads. Bless them in their work and in
their companionship; in their sleeping and in their
waking; in their joys and in their sorrows; in their
life and in their death. Finally, in your mercy, bring
them to that table where your saints feast for ever in
your heavenly home; through Jesus Christ our
Lord, who with you and the Holy Spirit lives and
reigns, one God, for ever and ever.
People Amen.
Or
Celebrant O God, you have so consecrated the covenant of
marriage that in it is represented the spiritual unity
between Christ and his Church. Send therefore
your blessing upon these your servants, that they may
so love, honour, and cherish each other in faithfulness
and patience, in wisdom and true godliness, that their
home may be a haven of blessing and peace; through
Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you
and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever.
People Amen.
548 Marriage
The husband and wife still kneeling, the celebrant adds this blessing.
God the Father, God the Son, God the Holy Spirit,
bless, preserve, and keep you; the Lord mercifully
with his favour look upon you, and fill you with all
spiritual benediction and grace; that you may
faithfully live together in this life, and in the age to
come have life everlasting.
People Amen.
The Peace
The newly married couple may greet each other.
Readings and Psalms Suitable for Marriage Liturgies

Old Testament and New Testament Readings
Genesis 1.27–28,31a (God created man in his own image; in the image of
God he created him; male and female he created them)
Tobit 8.5b–8 (Not . . . because of lust, but with sincerity)
Romans 12.1–2,9–13 (Let love be genuine; hate what is evil, hold fast to
what is good)
1 Corinthians 13 (So faith, hope, love abide, these three; but the greatest of
these is love)
Ephesians 3.14–19 (To comprehend with all the saints what is the breadth
and length and height and depth, and to know the love of Christ)
Colossians 3.12–17 (Put on love, which binds everything together in perfect
harmony)
1 John 4.7–12 (If we love one another, God abides in us)

67 (May God be merciful to us and bless us)
112.1–6 (Happy are they who fear the Lord or Hallelujah!)
148.1–6 (Hallelujah!)
150 (Hallelujah!)
Marriage 549
Gospel Readings
Matthew 5.1–10 (Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness,
for they shall be satisfied)
Matthew 22.35–40 (You shall love the Lord your God . . . You shall love your
neighbour as yourself)
Mark 10.6–9 (The two shall become one flesh)
John 2.1–11 (On the third day there was a marriage at Cana in Galilee)
550 Marriage
Ministry to the Sick
The Church’s ministry to the sick is based on Jesus’ constant concern
and care for the sick. It is reinforced by the Epistle of James’
admonition to the sick to call for the elders of the Church to pray over
them and anoint them with oil in the name of the Lord. James expects
this rite to have three effects: the prayer of faith will save the sick, the
Lord will raise them up, and their sins will be forgiven.
James’ suggestion that the sick should call for the leaders and rulers of
the Christian assembly ties the Church’s ministry to the sick to its
Sunday worship from a very early date. If the sick could not get to
church, then the Church, through the leaders of its worship, would
come to them. Justin Martyr spoke of the early Christian practice of
1
taking communion to those absent from the Christian community.
We may draw two conclusions from our knowledge of early Christian
ministry to the sick: Christians were not to rely on the multitude of
faith-healers and wonder-workers who abounded in their society but
were to send for senior members of their own community. Second,
the ministry those leaders offered was an extension of the Church’s
basic act of worship, i.e., the gathering around the word and the
bread and wine each Sunday.
This office of the Ministry to the Sick has been prepared in an attempt
to be faithful to these two principles. The minister represents not only
the congregation but also its holy activity to the sick person. The
minister brings the Church, the community of wholeness, to the sick
person. It is not essential that the minister be ordained (unless the
eucharist is to be celebrated instead of offering communion reserved
at the congregational assembly); it is sufficient that the minister be
authorized (by the diocesan bishop) to undertake this ministry. The
rite itself is based in shape and pattern on the Church’s Sunday
liturgy and consists of reading and proclaiming of the word;
intercessory prayer, culminating in prayer for the sick person with
actions of touching and anointing; and the sharing of holy
communion.
The service normally consists of four parts:
1 The Ministry of the Word—Following the opening acclamations and
prayer, portions of scripture are read. A brief reflection on the
reading(s) is also appropriate.

The intercession may take any of the following forms: biddings
followed by silence, free prayer, or formal prayers such as those
provided on pp. 110–132.
2 Confession and Absolution—Anglican Prayer Books have
traditionally provided for the sick to have opportunity to confess their
sins if their “conscience feel troubled with any weighty matter.” A
number of forms of confession are available, including those found in
the forms of prayer for morning and evening (p. 45), in the Penitential
Order (p. 217), and in the office for the Reconciliation of a Penitent
(p. 168).
3 The Laying on of Hands and Anointing—The laying on of hands and
anointing provide the moment when the prayer of the Church for the
healing power of God is made specific and particular in relation to this
sick person. It is also a sign of forgiveness and consequently of
reconciliation in and with the Christian community.
In accordance with ancient practice the oil used by the minister
(whether ordained or lay) will have been blessed by the bishop.
4 Holy Communion—The service may conclude with holy
communion. The relationship between the sick person and the
Sunday assembly is best demonstrated when bread and wine set aside
at the Sunday eucharist are brought for communion. Others present
may receive holy communion.
Provision is also made in this rite for the celebration of the eucharist
with the sick and their family. This would be appropriate during an
extended illness when the sick person has been unable to join with
the eucharistic assembly for a long time.
1 Justin, “First Apology,” 66.
552 Ministry to the Sick

In case of illness, the minister of the congregation is to be notified.

One or more parts of the following service may be used, as appropriate;
however, when two or more parts of the service are used together, they are
used in the order indicated. The Lord’s Prayer is always included.
When the Laying on of Hands or Anointing takes place at a public celebration
of the eucharist, it should precede the exchange of the Peace and the
Preparation of the Gifts.

The Ministry of the Word

The minister begins with the following or other appropriate greeting.
be with you (all).
Response And also with you.
Then the minister may say the following or another appropriate prayer.
O God of peace,
who taught us that in returning and rest we shall be saved,
in quietness and confidence shall be our strength;
by the might of your Spirit lift us, we pray, to your presence,
where we may be still and know that you are God;
One or more of the Sunday lessons, or of the passages of scripture on p. 558,
or of other appropriate passages of scripture, is read. The readings may be
followed by silence, by a psalm, or by a brief reflection on their content.
Prayers may be offered according to the occasion. The minister concludes with
the following or other suitable collect.
Gracious God,
you have heard the prayers of your faithful people;
you know our needs before we ask,
and our ignorance in asking.
Grant our requests as may be best for us.
This we ask in the name of your Son

If confession is desired, the form found on p. 168 or in the Penitential Order
on p. 217 may be used.

The Laying on of Hands and Anointing
The oil for the anointing of the sick is to be used only by clergy and those lay
persons who have received authorization by the diocesan bishop.
The minister begins with the following declaration.
Holy scripture teaches us
that in acts of healing and restoration
our Lord Jesus and his disciples
laid hands upon the sick (and anointed them).
By so doing they made known
the healing power and presence of God.
Pray that as we follow our Lord’s example,
you may know his unfailing love.
Then the minister lays hands upon the sick person, saying the following:
N, may the Lord in his love and mercy uphold you
by the grace and power of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Or, if the person is to be anointed, the minister anoints the person’s forehead
with oil, making the sign of the cross and saying,
N, through this holy anointing
may the Lord in his love and mercy uphold you
by the grace and power of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
When the anointing is completed, the minister may add,
As you are outwardly anointed with this holy oil,
so may our heavenly Father grant you
the inward anointing of the Holy Spirit.
Of his great mercy,
may he forgive you your sins,
release you from suffering,
and restore you to wholeness and strength.
May he deliver you from all evil,
preserve you in all goodness,
and bring you to everlasting life;

Holy Communion
Minister The peace of the Lord be always with you.
Response And also with you.
If the Holy Eucharist is celebrated, the service will continue with the Great
Thanksgiving, the Lord’s Prayer, and the Communion on pp. 192–215.
If the sacrament has been brought from the church, the service continues as
follows:
Minister The Church of Christ,
of which we are members,
has taken this bread and wine
and given thanks according to the Lord’s command.
We now share together
in the communion of his body and blood.
As our Saviour taught us, let us pray,
your kingdom come,
your will be done,
Forgive us our sins
Or
Minister And now, as our Saviour Christ has taught us,
we are bold to say,
thy kingdom come,
thy will be done,

The minister may say the following invitation.
The sacrament is then given with the following words.
The following doxology may be said.

Minister Glory to God,
A priest may bless those present. The service concludes with a dismissal.
Minister Let us bless the Lord.

Readings and Psalms Suitable for the
Isaiah 35.1–10 (The eyes of the blind shall be opened)
Isaiah 53.1–12 (Surely he has borne our griefs)
Isaiah 61.1–3 (Good tidings to the afflicted)
Wisdom 9.1, 9–18 (Who has traced out what is in the heavens?)

Psalm 23 (The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not be in want)
Psalm 91 (You are my refuge and my stronghold)
Psalm 103 (Bless the Lord, O my soul)
Psalm 145.14–22 (The Lord is near to those who call upon him)

Romans 8.18–27 (The creation waits with eager longing for the revealing of
the sons of God)
Romans 8.31b–35, 37–39 (If God is for us, who is against us?)
Romans 12.1–12 (Be transformed by the renewal of your mind)
1 Corinthians 1.18–25 (Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God)
Colossians 1.22–29 (Christ in you, the hope of glory)
Hebrews 4.14–16 (Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of
grace)
James 5.13–16 (Is any among you sick? Let him call for the elders of the
church)
1 John 4.16 (God is love)
Gospel Readings
Matthew 9.2–8 (Your sins are forgiven)
Matthew 11.25–30 (You will find rest for your souls)
Mark 6.7, 12–13 (They anointed with oil many that were sick)
John 6.47–51 (I am the bread of life)
John 10.14–15, 27–28 (I am the good shepherd)

Concerning Ministry at the Time of Death
Ministry at the time of death may be offered to a number of people: first, to
the dying person, especially if still conscious; second, to family and friends
who may have been gathered by this event. Different words are required for
different people on such an occasion, and at different moments.
The prayers which follow have been divided into several groups: prayers for
and with the dying person, prayers with family and friends, prayers when the
person has died.
It is appropriate that these prayers be led by someone who has already
ministered to those involved, whether minister of the congregation, lay
visitor, hospital chaplain, or other person exercising the ministry of the
Church. However, a family member, or friend, or anyone else, may lead in
the offering of these prayers.
A Prayer for a Person Near Death

This prayer may be offered in the presence of a person who is dying.
Almighty God, look on this your servant, lying in great
weakness, and comfort him/her with the promise of life
everlasting, given in the resurrection of your Son Jesus Christ
our Lord. Amen.
Ministry at Death 559

Ministry at the Time of Death
Prayers with a Person Who Is Dying

One or more of these prayers may be said slowly, phrase by phrase, with a
dying person, or in his/her name.
Our Father in heaven,
your kingdom come,
your will be done,
Forgive us our sins
Or Our Father, who art in heaven,
thy kingdom come,
thy will be done,
560 Ministry at Death

Glory to the Father, and to the Son,
and to the Holy Spirit:
as it was in the beginning, is now,
Or Glory be to the Father, and to the Son,
and to the Holy Spirit:
as it was in the beginning, is now,
and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.
Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, help me.
Father, I place myself in your hands.
Holy God, I believe in you.
I trust you.
I love you.
Family members and friends may lay their hands on the dying person in a
moment of silent prayer.
The minister leading the prayers may say,
God of mercy,
look with love on N,
and receive him/her into your heavenly kingdom.
Bless him/her
and let him/her live with you for ever.
We ask this grace through Christ the Lord.
People Amen.
Prayers with Family and Friends

One or more of the following may be read.
Psalm 23 Psalm 121 John 14.1-6, 23, 27
Psalm 91 John 6.37-40

A Litany
God the Father,
Have mercy on your servant.
God the Son,
God the Holy Spirit,
Holy Trinity, one God,
From all evil, from all sin, from all tribulation,
By your holy incarnation, by your cross and passion, by your
precious death and burial,
By your glorious resurrection and ascension, and by the
coming of the Holy Spirit,
We sinners beseech you to hear us, Lord Christ, that it may
please you to deliver the soul of your servant from the power of
evil, and from eternal death,
That it may please you mercifully to pardon all his/her sins,
That it may please you to grant him/her a place of refreshment
and everlasting blessedness,
That it may please you to give him/her joy and gladness in your
kingdom, with your saints in light,
Lamb of God, you take away the sin of the world,

Let us pray.
God of mercy,
into whose hands your Son Jesus Christ
commended his spirit at his last hour,
into those same hands
we now commend your servant N,
that death may be for him/her the gate to life
and to eternal fellowship with you;
Prayers at Death
One of the following commendations may be said.
Give rest, O Christ, to your servant with your saints,
where sorrow and pain are no more,
neither sighing, but life everlasting.
You only are immortal, the creator and maker of all;
and we are mortal, formed of the earth,
and to earth shall we return.
For so did you ordain when you created me, saying,
“You are dust, and to dust you shall return.”
All of us go down to the dust;
yet even at the grave we make our song:
Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia.
Give rest, O Christ, to your servant with your saints,
Or

Depart, O Christian soul, out of this world;
in the name of God the Father almighty who created you;
in the name of Jesus Christ who redeemed you;
in the name of the Holy Spirit who sanctifies you.
May your rest be this day in peace,
and your dwelling place in the paradise of God.
Or
Loving and merciful God,
we entrust our brother/sister to your mercy.
You loved him/her greatly in this life;
now that he/she is freed from all its cares,
give him/her happiness and peace for ever.
The old order has passed away;
welcome him/her now into paradise
where there will be no more sorrow,
no more weeping or pain,
but only peace and joy
with Jesus, your Son,
The minister may conclude these prayers with a simple blessing, in these or
similar words.
God grant us to share
in the inheritance of his saints in glory;
and the blessing of God almighty,
the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit,
be with us, now and always. Amen.

The Funeral Liturgy
The origins of funeral practices, whether burial or other forms of
reverent disposal of the bodies of those who have died, are lost in the
furthest mists of human history. Many of the oldest remains of our
most ancient ancestors are their burial sites and it is not impossible
that the appearance of rites associated with mourning and the final
disposal of the bodies of the dead mark the emergence of humanity as
we understand that term. Funerals are universal in the human
species, both historically and geographically.
Funeral practices are unlike some of the other rites and ceremonies of
the Church precisely because of their universal nature. People do
them first of all because they are human. Many people who do not
belong to the Christian Church (or any other worshipping body or
faith community) and who do not describe themselves as “religious”,
are among the most assiduous in the exercise of funeral rites.
It is important for Christians to be aware of the universal dimensions
of funeral practices, partly out of sensitivity to the basic needs,
conscious and unconscious, which mourners bring to these rituals,
and partly so they can identify clearly the particular insights and
interpretations which Christian faith brings to bear on the reality of
death and the experience of bereavement.
The Bible reflects many attitudes to death, ranging from belief that
death is a judgement for sin (and its prolonged deferral a reward for
righteousness), through resigned acceptance of the inevitable and
inexplicable, to the belief in the goodness of both the Creator and the
creation which eventually found expression in a theology of
resurrection.
A Christian attitude to death is inseparable from the biblical accounts
of the resurrection of Jesus Christ and his followers’ experience of the
saving power of his renewed presence. Yet even on this central issue
the biblical account is varied. The fourth Gospel sees the whole of
Jesus’ ministry as an expression of glory in which death itself is an act
of triumph and resurrection an inevitable conclusion. The cry of
abandonment in Matthew and Mark and of resignation in Luke reflect
another perception of Jesus’ experience of death. Early Christians who
expected the imminent return of the Lord were particularly
threatened by the death of fellow–believers who might, it was
Funeral 565
assumed, be deprived of full participation in the realization of the new
age. The author of the Epistle to the Hebrews developed a theology of
the death of Jesus as a “school of suffering.” And so on. There is no
single biblical attitude to death, not even to the death of Jesus. The
biblical narratives and letters reflect a mixture of grief and hope,
suffering and glory. This mixture is found in Jesus’ attitude to his own
death and in his followers’ attitude to his death and the death of other
1
members of their company.
It is entirely fitting that Christian funerals reflect these various
dimensions of the experience of death. Faith is not only belief: faith
embraces even its own shadow, which is doubt. Liturgical expressions
of faith and hope in the face of death should consequently leave room
for the radical sense of anxiety and loss which the mourners
experience. They should also enable, rather than deny, the grief
process about which so much has been learned in recent years. On the
other hand, Christian funerals should not become unrelieved
expressions of anguish and despair: there is a time for thanksgiving
even in the midst of mourning.
This note of thanksgiving even in a time of tears explains, in part, the
ancient association of Christian funerals with celebrations of the
eucharist. Thanksgiving for the death and victory of the Christ
vibrates with different and more basic tones at the time of the death of
a fellow disciple. Further, the bread and wine of holy communion,
that foretaste of the messianic banquet, convey an experience of the
solidarity of the Christian community which is particularly
appropriate to the moment. All our experience of the kingdom of God
takes place between the poles of “already” and “not yet,” a tension
which is only temporarily resolved for us when we remember with
thanks the basic Christian story, and in the case of a funeral, the story
of this particular Christian as well.
Christian funerals have been shaped over the centuries by a variety of
notions of what happens to those who have died. In earlier centuries
the idea of solidarity was paramount: the Church was a single body
moving towards an ultimate destiny which neither living nor dead
had yet experienced. This view of things gradually gave way to a
more individualistic preoccupation with immediate personal destiny.
Pagan influences also entered the scheme and it is sometimes unclear
if prayers for the rest and peace of the deceased were intended to
566 Funeral
secure their welfare or the protection of their survivors. Certainly
much Christian piety became an expression of identification with the
individual soul in its ongoing purgation and development rather than
with the whole redeemed humanity of which that individual is a
significant but not distinguishable member.2
These nuances of piety can be helpful if they are held in some kind of
balance and with a strong sense of their symbolic structure. They are
less helpful, and even destructive, when they are held with conviction
in their exact and literal correspondence to an unseen reality. For the
truth is that we do not know the condition of the dead, and while
faith may consign their well–being to the creative and redemptive
remembrance of God, everything we say about them remains, as
thing said, at the level of symbol. This is precisely the level at which
Paul worked when he wrote the great fifteenth chapter of his first
letter to the Corinthians, drawing on images of seeds and stars and
bodies to communicate his belief in the ultimate transformation of
mortal human nature. It is important that funeral liturgies enable
people to act at this poetic and symbolic level of their being.
The original ministers of funeral liturgies were the family or tribe of
the dead person, and this is still true in many parts of the world
today. Comparatively little is known about the development of
Christian funerals, but it is clear that Christian families, from an early
date, chose to celebrate their funeral liturgies within the larger family
of the Christian community. Christian cemeteries became places of
great importance for the Christian community, especially in times of
persecution. The cleric in charge of the burying–place was an
important leader of the Church.
An effect of this consignment of the rites of the family to the care of
the larger Christian community was the gradual withdrawal of
responsibility from the immediate family and friends of the dead
person. The Church gradually took on roles which once had been the
inalienable responsibility of the family or tribe and the secularization
of this process in more recent times has led to the development of a
profession which relieves bereaved families of many burdens but also
sometimes functions as a barrier between families and their funeral
rites.
It is important to note that funerals are the property of neither
undertakers nor clergy. They belong to the circle of family and friends
Funeral 567
of the person who has died and, when that circle is Christian, they
find an appropriate setting in the larger Christian fellowship. Both
undertakers and clergy may provide valued support and resources,
and clergy have a particular responsibility to make sure that the rituals
observed (at least those which take place in church) are appropriate
expressions of Christian faith and hope. The family and friends who
come to bury their dead should be encouraged to take an active role in
the liturgy.
Funeral rites, unlike most other liturgical observances, normally
consist of a number of distinct liturgical events spread over a period of
time, usually several days. They may include such elements as
prayers in the home, prayers in the presence of the body (whether in
the home or in church or in an undertaker’s premises), the reception
of the body at the church, a liturgy of the word in an undertaker’s
chapel, a liturgy of the word (and possibly of the sacrament) in
church, the committal of the body to the grave, the flames, or the sea,
and the disposal of ashes at a later date.
Obviously not all of these elements will be observed in each case. The
resources which follow are, however, intended to provide for these
various events and aspects of a funeral, with such adaptation as may
be necessary. The family and friends of the dead person are
encouraged to consult as early as possible with the priest or other
person responsible in their parish, as well as with the undertaker who
may be involved, to plan the various events which will constitute the
funeral. Particular sensitivity is required in planning the funerals of
suicides, whose deaths are often to be regarded as more tragic than
sinful.
This material provides for three forms of funeral:

a A funeral composed of three events separated by two processions.
Prayers are provided for use in the home or in an undertaker’s
premises; a liturgy is provided for use in church; a committal is
provided for use at the grave or other appropriate place.
b A funeral composed of two events: a liturgy in a chapel and a
committal at the grave;
c A funeral which takes place entirely in a home or other suitable
place. (This form would usually be observed in special
568 Funeral
circumstances, e.g., when a committal must be deferred because of
inclement weather or the distance of the grave.)
These various forms of services are provided as broad outlines for
different kinds of circumstances and not as rigid alternatives. For
instance, although Form I is intended for use in a church ceremony
(whether the eucharist is celebrated or not), sometimes Form II may
be better suited to a funeral in church. Similarly, prayers and readings
with the family and friends some time before the principal funeral
service are not forbidden when Form II is used, although it may be
decided not to read all the opening sentences on each occasion and to
substitute one of the additional prayers for the opening prayer at one
of the services.
1 Cf. Schuyler Brown, “Bereavement in New Testament Perspective,”

Worship, Vol. 48, No. 2, 1974, pp. 93–98.
2 Cf. John P. Meier, “Catholic Funerals in the Light of Scripture,” Worship,

Vol. 48, No. 4, 1974, pp. 206–216.
Funeral 569
Concerning the Services
The family or friends of a person who has died should consult the responsible
minister as soon as possible. Together they should make appropriate
arrangements for the funeral
The conduct of the funeral should allow for the expression of the grief of the
mourners within the context of the Easter hope.
The coffin may be draped with a pall during the service. In ritual matters,
liturgical practice should be considerate of the cultural traditions of the
mourners.
These services may be adapted for use apart from the funeral rite, e.g., as
memorial services, as a commemoration of the anniversary of a death, on All
Souls’ Day, or at the time of a funeral by family and friends whose presence is
made impossible for such reasons as distance.
If the body is to be cremated, any of the following procedures is appropriate,
subject to the regulations of the Ordinary:
the Funeral Liturgy, followed by committal of the body to the fire;
the Funeral Liturgy, followed by private cremation, after which the final
committal of the ashes takes place;
the committal of the body to the fire, followed by the Funeral Liturgy;
cremation, followed by the Funeral Liturgy and the committal of the ashes to
their final resting place;
the committal of the body to the fire and another committal of the ashes to
their final resting place.
570 Funeral
The Funeral Liturgy
Form I
This form of the Funeral Liturgy consists of three parts: prayers for use in the
home of the deceased or in another appropriate place (these prayers may, in
abbreviated form, be used to greet the body at the door of the church); a form
of service for use in church, which may or may not include a celebration of the
eucharist; and a form of committal.
When the eucharist is celebrated in Part 2 of this form of the Funeral Liturgy,
the celebrant shall be a bishop or priest. At other times the celebrant may be a
deacon or lay person.
Part 1
Prayers in the Home or Elsewhere

The following form of service may be used in the home of the deceased (or
elsewhere) or in the church at some suitable interval of time before the Funeral
Liturgy.
If this form of service is used to greet the body at the door of the church, it
should be limited to one or more of the opening sentences and a prayer.
The celebrant shall greet those present with words of Holy Scripture such as
the following:
I am Resurrection and I am Life, says the Lord.
Whoever has faith in me shall have life,
even though he die.
And everyone who has life,
and is committed to me in faith,
shall not die for ever. John 11.25–26
Funeral I 571
Let not your hearts be troubled;
believe in God, believe also in me.
In my Father’s house are many rooms;
if it were not so, would I have told you
that I go to prepare a place for you?
And when I go and prepare a place for you,
I will come again and will take you to myself,
that where I am you may be also. John 14.1–3
I am sure that neither death, nor life,
nor angels, nor principalities,
nor things present, nor things to come,
nor powers, nor height, nor depth,
nor anything else in all creation,
will be able to separate us from the love of God
in Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 8.38–39
Then all may say one of the following psalms.
Psalm 23
The Lord is my shepherd; *
I shall not be in want.
He makes me lie down in green pastures *
and leads me beside still waters.
He revives my soul *
and guides me along right pathways for his name’s sake.
Though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death,
I shall fear no evil; *
for you are with me;
your rod and your staff, they comfort me.
You spread a table before me in the presence of those
who trouble me; *
you have anointed my head with oil,
and my cup is running over.
Surely your goodness and mercy shall follow me all the
days of my life, *
and I will dwell in the house of the Lord for ever.
572 Funeral I
Psalm 130
Out of the depths have I called to you, O Lord;
Lord, hear my voice *
let your ears consider well the voice of my supplication.
If you, Lord, were to note what is done amiss, *
O Lord, who could stand?
For there is forgiveness with you; *
I wait for the Lord; my soul waits for him; *
in his word is my hope.
My soul waits for the Lord,
more than watchmen for the morning, *
O Israel, wait for the Lord, *
for with the Lord there is mercy;
With him there is plenteous redemption, *
and he shall redeem Israel from all their sins.
Other suitable psalms are 90, 121, 122, 126, 132, 134. Silence may be kept
after the psalm and an appropriate Psalm Prayer may be said; or the following
may be said:
Amen.
One of the readings suggested on p. 604 may be read.

Then the celebrant shall say,
God of all consolation,
in your unending love and mercy
you turn the darkness of death
into the dawn of new life.
Funeral I 573
Show compassion to your people in their sorrow.
Be our refuge and our strength
to lift us from the darkness of grief
to the peace and light of your presence.
Your Son, our Lord Jesus Christ,
by dying for us, conquered death
and by rising again, restored life.
May we then go forward eagerly to meet him,
and after our life on earth
be reunited with our brothers and sisters
where every tear will be wiped away.
We ask this through Jesus Christ, the Lord.
People Amen.
Other suitable prayers may be used and silence may be kept for a time.
Additional prayers may be found on pp. 601–603.
Gathering all our cares into one,
your kingdom come,
your will be done,
Forgive us our sins
now and for ever. Amen
Or
574 Funeral I
we are bold to say,
Our Father, who art in heaven,
Thy kingdom come,
thy will be done,
Then the celebrant shall dismiss the congregation with these or other words.
The eternal God is your dwelling place,
and underneath are the everlasting arms.
People Blessed is the Lord,
our strength and our salvation.
Funeral I 575
Part 2
Funeral Liturgy for Use in Church

The celebrant welcomes the congregation and may at this time, or after the
readings, express thanksgiving for the gifts of the deceased person, especially
the marks of a Christian life. Such remarks, without denying the legitimate
grief of the mourners, should relate the life and death of the Christian to the
victory of Christ.
be with you all.
Then may follow a hymn, anthem, or canticle, or the following. The refrain
alone may be said or sung.
In the midst of life we are in death;
from whom can we seek help?
From you alone, O Lord,
who by our sins are justly angered.
Holy God,
holy and mighty,
holy immortal one,
have mercy upon us.
Lord you know the secrets of our hearts;
shut not your ears to our prayers,
but spare us, O Lord.
Holy God,
holy and mighty,
holy immortal one,
have mercy upon us.
O worthy and eternal Judge,
do not let the pains of death
turn us away from you at our last hour.
576 Funeral I
Holy God,
holy and mighty,
holy immortal one,
have mercy upon us.
The Collect
All may pray silently. The celebrant then sings or says the collect.
O God, the maker and redeemer of all,
grant us, with your servant N
and all the faithful departed,
the sure benefits of your Son’s saving passion
and glorious resurrection;
that in the last day,
when you gather up all things in Christ,
we may with them enjoy the fullness of your promises;
who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
God for ever and ever. Amen.

Two or three readings shall normally be read. A Gospel reading is read when
the eucharist is celebrated. Members of the family and friends of the deceased
person may read readings. A psalm, canticle, hymn, anthem, or period of
silence may follow. Suggested readings may be found on p. 604.
At the conclusion of readings from the Old Testament and the Epistles, the
reader shall say, The word of the Lord, and the congregation shall reply,
Thanks be to God.
Before the Gospel the reader shall say,
Funeral I 577
according to . . .

Celebrant Let us confess the faith of our baptism, as we say,
All I believe in God,
I believe in Jesus Christ,
He will come again
578 Funeral I
A deacon or lay member of the community (appropriately a member of the
family or a friend of the deceased person) leads the Prayers of the People. A
time for silent remembrance and thanksgiving may be kept. All or part of
the following form, or a similar form, may be used.
Leader Let us pray.
Almighty God, you have knit your chosen people
together in one communion, in the mystical body of
your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord. Give to your whole
Church in heaven and on earth your light and your
peace.
People Hear us, Lord.
Leader May all who have been baptized into Christ’s death
and resurrection die to sin and rise to newness of
life, and may we with him pass through the grave
and gate of death to our joyful resurrection.
Leader Grant to us who are still in our pilgrimage, and who
walk as yet by faith, that your Holy Spirit may lead
us in holiness and righteousness all our days.
Leader Grant to your faithful people pardon and peace,
that we may be cleansed from all our sins and serve
you with a quiet mind.
Leader Grant to all who mourn a sure confidence in your
loving care that casting all their sorrow on you, they
may know the consolation of your love.
Leader Give courage and faith to those who are bereaved,
that they may have strength to meet the days ahead
in the comfort of a holy and certain hope, and in the
joyful expectation of eternal life with those they love.
Funeral I 579
Leader Grant us grace to entrust N to your never–failing
love which sustained him/her in this life. Receive
him/her into the arms of your mercy, and remember
him/her according to the favour you bear for your
people.
If the eucharist is not to be celebrated, the service continues with the Lord’s
Prayer on p. 583 or 584, followed by the Commendation on p. 586.
The Peace

A hymn may be sung. Members of the family or friends of the deceased person
may present the gifts of bread and wine for the eucharist to the deacon or
celebrant.
When the gifts have been prepared, the celebrant may say the Prayer over the
Gifts.
Celebrant God of mercy,
accept the worship we offer you this day.
Increase, we pray, our faith,
deepen our hope,
and confirm us in your eternal love.
People. Amen.
580 Funeral I
Other eucharistic prayers may be found on pp. 193–210.
Celebrant Blessed are you, gracious God,
whose victorious rising from the dead
has given to us the hope of resurrection
and the promise of eternal life.
we raise our voices
Jesus your Son.
Funeral I 581
he gave it to them,
582 Funeral I
and make them new,
now and for ever.
People Amen.
The Lord’s Prayer

your kingdom come,
your will be done,
Forgive us our sins
Funeral I 583
Or
we are bold to say,
thy kingdom come,
thy will be done,
If the eucharist is not celebrated the service continues with the Commendation
on p. 586.
Silence
The celebrant breaks the consecrated bread for distribution, and may say the
following:
This is the bread which has come down from
heaven.
All Those who eat this bread will live for ever.
584 Funeral I
anthems such as the following may be sung.
(Alleluia!) Christ our passover is sacrificed for us;
therefore let us keep the feast (Alleluia!).
Lamb of God, you take away the sin of the world:
have mercy on us (or grant them rest).
have mercy on us (or grant them rest).
grant us peace (or grant them rest eternal).

Standing, the community prays in silence. Then the celebrant says one of the
following:
God of love,
you have fed us at the table of your kingdom.
Teach us to trust, without fear,
in your eternal goodness and mercy.
We ask this in the name of Jesus Christ the Lord. Amen.
Or
Almighty God, we thank you
that in your great love you have fed us
with the spiritual food and drink
of the body and blood of your Son Jesus Christ,
and have given us a foretaste
of your heavenly banquet.
Grant that this sacrament may be to us
a comfort in affliction,
and a pledge of our inheritance
in that kingdom where there is no death,
neither sorrow nor crying,
but fullness of joy with all your saints;
through Jesus Christ our Saviour. Amen.
Funeral I 585
The Commendation
The celebrant and other ministers stand by the body, where they may be
joined by members of the family and friends of the deceased person.
This anthem, or some other suitable anthem, or a hymn, may be sung or said.
Give rest, O Christ, to your servants with your saints,
You only are immortal, the creator and maker of all;
“You are dust, and to dust you shall return.”
The celebrant, facing the body, says,
Into your hands, O merciful Saviour,
we commend your servant N.
Acknowledge, we pray, a sheep of your own fold,
a lamb of your own flock,
a sinner of your own redeeming.
Receive him/her into the arms of your mercy,
into the blessed rest of everlasting peace,
and into the glorious company of the saints in light. Amen.
The celebrant, or the bishop if present, may then bless the people, and a
deacon or other minister may dismiss them, saying,
Let us go forth in the name of Christ.
As the body is borne from the church, a psalm (or part thereof), a hymn, an
anthem, or a canticle may be sung or said. The following are appropriate: The
Song of Zechariah, The Song of Simeon, Christ our Passover.
586 Funeral I
Part 3
The Committal
The following anthem, or a similar anthem, is sung or said.
Everyone the Father gives to me will come to me; I will never
turn away anyone who believes in me. John 6.37
He who raised Jesus Christ from the dead will also give new life
to our mortal bodies through his indwelling Spirit. Romans 8.11
My heart, therefore, is glad, and my spirit rejoices; my body
also shall rest in hope. Psalm 16.9
You will show me the path of life; in your presence there is
fullness of joy, and in your right hand are pleasures for
evermore. Psalm 16.11
Then (while earth is cast upon the coffin if appropriate), the celebrant says,
In sure and certain hope of the resurrection to eternal life
we commend to almighty God our brother/sister N,
and we commit his/her body to the ground; †
earth to earth, ashes to ashes, dust to dust.
The Lord bless him/her and keep him/her,
the Lord make his face to shine upon him/her
and be gracious to him/her,
the Lord lift up his countenance upon him/her
and give him/her peace. Amen.
† Or to be consumed by fire, or to its resting place, or to the deep.
The celebrant says,

Funeral I 587
The celebrant may offer any of the prayers on pp. 601–603, or other suitable
prayers. If the committal does not take place immediately following the
Funeral Liturgy in church, the Lord’s Prayer may be said.
Then may be said,
Celebrant Rest eternal grant to him/her, O Lord.
People And let light perpetual shine upon him/her.
Celebrant May his/her soul,
and the souls of all the departed,
through the mercy of God, rest in peace.
People Amen.
The celebrant dismisses the people with these or similar words.
May the God of peace
who brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus,
the great shepherd of the sheep,
equip you with everything good
that you may do his will,
working in you that which is pleasing in his sight,
through Jesus Christ,
to whom be glory for ever and ever.
People Amen.
588 Funeral I
The Funeral Liturgy
Form II
This form of the Funeral Liturgy is for use in a church or a chapel or other
suitable place.
The celebrant welcomes the congregation and may at this time, or after the
readings, express thanksgiving for the gifts of the deceased person, especially
the marks of a Christian life. Such remarks, without denying the legitimate
grief of the mourners, should relate the life and death of the Christian to the
victory of Christ. The celebrant then says,
I am Resurrection and I am Life, says the Lord.
Whoever has faith in me shall have life,
even though he die.
And everyone who has life,
and is committed to me in faith,
shall not die for ever. John 11.25–26
Let not your hearts be troubled;
believe in God, believe also in me.
In my Father’s house are many rooms;
if it were not so, would I have told you
that I go to prepare a place for you?
And when I go and prepare a place for you,
I will come again and will take you to myself,
that where I am you may be also. John 14.1–3
I am sure that neither death, nor life,
nor angels, nor principalities,
nor things present, nor things to come,
nor powers, nor height, nor depth,
nor anything else in all creation,
will be able to separate us from the love of God
in Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 8.38–39
Then a hymn may be sung, or a psalm or canticle said or sung. The following
are suitable psalms.
Funeral II 589
Psalm 121
I lift up my eyes to the hills; *
from where is my help to come?
My help comes from the Lord, *
the maker of heaven and earth.
He will not let your foot be moved *
and he who watches over you will not fall asleep.
Behold, he who keeps watch over Israel *
shall neither slumber nor sleep;
The Lord himself watches over you; *
the Lord is your shade at your right hand,
So that the sun shall not strike you by day, *
nor the moon by night.
The Lord shall preserve you from all evil; *
it is he who shall keep you safe.
The Lord shall watch over your going out and
your coming in, *
from this time forth for evermore.
Psalm 139
Lord, you have searched me out and known me; *
you know my sitting down and my rising up;
you discern my thoughts from afar.
You trace my journeys and my resting-places *
and are acquainted with all my ways.
Indeed, there is not a word on my lips, *
but you, O Lord, know it altogether.
You press upon me behind and before *
and lay your hand upon me.
Such knowledge is too wonderful for me; *
it is so high that I cannot attain to it.
Where can I go then from your Spirit? *
where can I flee from your presence?
590 Funeral II
If I climb up to heaven, you are there; *
if I make the grave my bed, you are there also.
If I take the wings of the morning *
and dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea,
Even there your hand will lead me *
and your right hand hold me fast.
If I say, “Surely the darkness will cover me, *
and the light around me turn to night,”
Darkness is not dark to you;
the night is as bright as the day; *
darkness and light to you are both alike.
Other suitable psalms are 23, 122, 126, 130, 132, 134. After a psalm or
canticle the following may be said or sung.
Amen.
God of all consolation,
in your unending love and mercy
you turn the darkness of death
into the dawn of new life.
Show compassion to your people in their sorrow.
Be our refuge and our strength
to lift us from the darkness of grief
to the peace and light of your presence.
Your Son, our Lord Jesus Christ,
by dying for us, conquered death
and by rising again, restored life.
Funeral II 591
May we then go forward eagerly to meet him,
and after our life on earth
be reunited with our brothers and sisters
where every tear will be wiped away.
We ask this through Jesus Christ, the Lord.
People Amen.
Two or three readings shall normally be read. Members of the family and
friends of the deceased person may read readings. A psalm, canticle, hymn,
anthem, or period of silence may follow. Suggested readings may be found on
p. 604.
A brief sermon may be preached if the celebrant’s greeting of the congregation
has not been extensive.
The Apostles’ Creed may be said.
Celebrant I believe in God,
All the Father almighty,
I believe in Jesus Christ,
He will come again
592 Funeral II
A lay person (appropriately a member of the family or a friend of the deceased
person) may lead the prayers. A time for silent remembrance and
thanksgiving may be kept. All or part of the following form, or a similar
form, may be used.
Leader Let us pray.
Almighty God, you have knit your chosen people
together in one communion, in the mystical body of
your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord. Give to your whole
Church in heaven and on earth your light and your
peace.
Leader May all who have been baptized into Christ’s death
and resurrection die to sin and rise to newness of
life, and may we with him pass through the grave
and gate of death to our joyful resurrection.
Leader Grant to us who are still in our pilgrimage, and who
walk as yet by faith, that your Holy Spirit may lead
us in holiness and righteousness all our days.
Leader Grant to your faithful people pardon and peace,
that we may be cleansed from all our sins and serve
you with a quiet mind.
Leader Grant to all who mourn a sure confidence in your
loving care, that casting all their sorrow on you,
they may know the consolation of your love.
Leader Give courage and faith to those who are bereaved,
that they may have strength to meet the days ahead
in the comfort of a holy and certain hope, and in the
joyful expectation of eternal life with those they love.
Funeral II 593
Leader Grant us grace to entrust N to your never-failing
love which sustained him/her in this life. Receive
him/her into the arms of your mercy, and remember
him/her according to the favour you bear for your
people.
The Lord’s Prayer

Celebrant Gathering all our cares into one,
your kingdom come,
your will be done,
Forgive us our sins
Or
we are bold to say,
thy kingdom come,
thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.
594 Funeral II
The Commendation
A hymn may be sung, or this anthem or some other suitable anthem may be
sung or said.
“You only are immortal, the creator and maker of all;
You are dust, and to dust you shall return.”
The celebrant, facing the body, says,
Into your hands, O merciful Saviour,
we commend your servant N.
Acknowledge, we pray, a sheep of your own fold,
a lamb of your own flock,
a sinner of your own redeeming.
Receive him/her into the arms of your mercy,
into the blessed rest of everlasting peace,
and into the glorious company of the saints in light. Amen.
The celebrant may then bless the people and dismiss them with these or
similar words.
The eternal God is your dwelling place,
and underneath are the everlasting arms.
People Blessed is the Lord,
our strength and our salvation.
Or
Funeral II 595
Celebrant Go forth in the name of Christ.
As the body is removed, a psalm (or part thereof), a hymn, an anthem, or a
canticle may be sung or said. The following are appropriate: The Song of
Zechariah, The Song of Simeon, Christ our Passover.
The Committal
The following anthem, or a similar anthem, is sung or said.
Everyone the Father gives to me will come to me; I will never
turn away anyone who believes in me. John 6.37
He who raised Jesus Christ from the dead will also give new life
to our mortal bodies through his indwelling Spirit. Romans 8.11
My heart, therefore, is glad, and my spirit rejoices; my body
also shall rest in hope. Psalm 16.9
You will show me the path of life; in your presence there is
fullness of joy, and in your right hand are pleasures for
evermore. Psalm16.11
Then (while earth is cast upon the coffin if appropriate), the celebrant says,
and we commit his/her body to the ground; †
† Or to be consumed by fire, or to its resting place, or to the deep.
596 Funeral II
The celebrant says,
prayers. If the committal does not take place immediately following the
Funeral Liturgy in church, the Lord’s Prayer may be said.
Then may be said,
People Amen.
People Amen.
Funeral II 597
The Funeral Liturgy
Form III
This form of the Funeral Liturgy is for use in those circumstances in which it
is necessary for the entire public act of worship to take place as a single event
and in one place. It is suitable for use in a home or hall when a church
building is too far away or unusable because of bad weather, and when the
committal must be deferred because of weather or the distance of the grave.
The celebrant may be a bishop, priest, deacon, or lay person.
A number of options are open to those planning the service.
Prayers in the Home or Elsewhere beginning on p. 571, may be used as the
basic Funeral Liturgy. More than one lesson may be read, and comment on
the scriptures may include an expression of thanksgiving for the gifts of
the deceased person, especially the marks of a Christian life.
A Funeral Liturgy for Use in Church, beginning on p. 576, may be used,
with such amendments as are appropriate to the time and place. If a bishop or
priest presides, the eucharist may be celebrated.
The blessing and dismissal provided at the end of these services are omitted
and appear at the end of the Commendation (p. 586) which immediately
follows.
When the body is to be interred privately or at a later date, or when the body
is for some reason unrecoverable, the Committal may be recited, in which case
the blessing and dismissal are deferred until after the Committal.
The Lord’s Prayer may be recited at any of the suggested points in any of
these rites, but should not be recited more than once in the course of the
liturgy.
598 Funeral III

The Interment of Ashes
The celebrant may greet those present with words of Holy Scripture such as
the following:
I know that my Redeemer lives, and at last he will stand upon
the earth; and after my skin has been thus destroyed, then
from my flesh I shall see God, whom I shall see on my side,
and my eyes shall behold, and not another. Job 19.25–27
I heard a voice from heaven saying, “Write this: Blessed are the
dead who die in the Lord henceforth.” “Blessed indeed,” says
the Spirit, “that they may rest from their labours, for their
deeds may follow them!” Revelation 14.13
One or more of the psalms and one or more of the readings suggested on
p. 604 may be read.
While the ashes are put in their final resting place, the celebrant says these
words.
And we commit his/her ashes to the ground, †
† Or the deep, or their resting place.
The celebrant says,

prayers. The Lord’s Prayer may be said.
Funeral 599
Then may be said,
People Amen.
People Amen.
The Consecration of a Grave

If the grave is in a place that has not previously been set apart for Christian
burial, the celebrant (if a bishop or priest) may use the following prayer,
either before the service of committal or at some other convenient time.
O God, whose blessed Son was laid in a sepulchre in the
garden: bless, we pray, this grave, and grant that he/she whose
body is to be buried here may dwell with Christ in paradise,
and may come to your heavenly kingdom; through your Son
600 Funeral
Additional Prayers
Almighty and everlasting God, with whom still live the spirits
of those who die in the Lord, and with whom the souls of the
faithful are in joy and felicity: we give you heartfelt thanks for
the good examples of all your servants, who having finished
their course in faith, now find rest and refreshment. May we,
with all who have died in the true faith of your holy name,
have perfect fulfilment and bliss in your eternal and everlasting
glory, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
O God, whose days are without end and whose mercies cannot
be numbered: make us, we pray, deeply aware of the shortness
and uncertainty of human life, and let your Holy Spirit lead us
in holiness and righteousness all our days; that when we shall
have served you in our generation, we may be gathered to our
ancestors, having the testimony of a good conscience, in the
communion of the catholic Church, in the confidence of a
certain faith, in the comfort of a religious and holy hope, in
favour with you, our God, and in perfect charity with all. We
ask this through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
O God, the king of saints, we praise and glorify your holy
name for all your servants who have finished their course in
your faith and fear: for the blessed Virgin Mary; for the holy
patriarchs, prophets, apostles, and martyrs; and for all your
other righteous servants, known to us and unknown; and we
pray that, encouraged by their examples, aided by their
prayers, and strengthened by their fellowship, we also may be
partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light; through the
merits of your Son Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Merciful God, Father of our Lord Jesus Christ who is the
Resurrection and the Life: raise us, we humbly pray, from the
death of sin to the life of righteousness; that when we depart
this life we may rest in him, and at the resurrection receive that
blessing which your well–beloved Son shall then pronounce:
“Come, you blessed of my Father, receive the kingdom prepared
for you from the beginning of the world.” Grant this, O
merciful Father, through Jesus Christ, our Mediator and
Redeemer. Amen.
Funeral 601
Lord Jesus Christ, by your death you took away the sting of
death. Grant to us your servants so to follow in faith where you
have led the way, that we may at length fall asleep peacefully
in you and wake up in your likeness, for your tender mercies’
sake. Amen.
Father of all, we pray to you for those we love but see no
longer. Grant them your peace; let light perpetual shine upon
them; and in your loving wisdom and almighty power, work in
them the good purpose of your perfect will, through Jesus
Christ our Lord. Amen.
Grant, O Lord, to all who are bereaved the spirit of faith and
courage, that they may have strength to meet the days to come
with steadfastness and patience; not sorrowing as those
without hope, but in thankful remembrance of your great
goodness, and in the joyful expectation of eternal life with
those they love. And this we ask in the name of Jesus Christ
our Saviour. Amen.
Almighty God, Father of mercies and giver of comfort, deal
graciously, we pray, with all who mourn; that casting all their
care on you, they may know the consolation of your love,
The following prayer may be adapted to reflect the age, sex, and other aspects
of the deceased person. It may be used as the Prayers of the People.
God of grace and glory, we thank you for N, who was so near
and dear to us, and who has now been taken from us.
We thank you for the friendship he/she gave and for the
strength and peace he/she brought.
We thank you for the love he/she offered and received while
he/she was with us on earth.
We pray that nothing good in this man’s/woman’s life will be
lost, but will be of benefit to the world; that all that was
important to him/her will be respected by those who follow; and
that everything in which he/she was great will continue to mean
much to us now that he/she is dead.
602 Funeral
We ask you that he/she may go on living in his/her children, his/her
family and his/her friends; in their hearts and minds, in their
courage and their consciences.
We ask you that we who were close to him/her may now,
because of his/her death, be even closer to each other, and that
we may, in peace and friendship here on earth, always be
deeply conscious of your promise to be faithful to us in death.
We pray for ourselves, who are severely tested by this death,
that we do not try to minimize this loss, or seek refuge from it
in words alone, and also that we do not brood over it so that it
overwhelms us and isolates us from others.
May God grant us courage and confidence in the new life of
Christ.
We ask this in the name of the risen Lord. Amen. †
Prayers for the Funeral of a Child

O God, whose beloved Son took children into his arms and
blessed them, give us grace to entrust N to your never-failing
care and love, and bring us all to your heavenly kingdom;
through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you
and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.
Most merciful God, whose wisdom is beyond our
understanding, deal graciously with NN in their grief. Surround
them with your love, that they may not be overwhelmed by their
loss, but have confidence in your goodness and strength to
meet the days to come; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Lord, listen to the prayers of this family that put their trust in
you. In their sorrow at the death of this child, may they find
hope in your infinite mercy. We ask this through Christ our
Lord. Amen
† Adapted from “for a Dead Person”from Your Word is Near by Huub

©
Oosterhuis. 1968 by the missionary Society of St. Paul the Apostle in the
State of New York. Used by permission of the Paulist Press.
Funeral 603
Readings and Psalms Suitable for Funeral Liturgies
Job 19.1, 21–27a (I know that my Redeemer lives)
Isaiah 25.6–9 (He will swallow up death for ever)
Isaiah 61.1–3 (To comfort all who mourn)
Lamentations 3.17–26, 31–33 (The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases)
Daniel 12.1– 3 (Every one whose name shall be found written in the book)
Wisdom 3.1-6(7–9) (The souls of the righteous are in the hand of God)

23 (I will dwell in the house of the Lord for ever)
25 (Remember me according to your love, O Lord)
42 (I will give thanks to him who is my help and my God)
51 (Have mercy on me, O God, according to your loving-kindness)
90 (From age to age you are God)
121 (My help comes from the Lord, the maker of heaven and earth)
122 (May they prosper who love Jerusalem)
126 (Those who sowed with tears will reap with songs of joy)
130 (My soul waits for the Lord, for with the Lord there is mercy)
134 (Bless the Lord who made heaven and earth)
139 (Lead me in the way that is everlasting)

Romans 6.3–9 (All of us who have been baptized into Christ Jesus were
baptized into his death)
Romans 8.14–19(34–35, 37–39) (The glory that is to be revealed)
Romans 14.7–9 (Whether we live or whether we die, we are the Lord’s)
1 Corinthians 15.20–28(35–44a) (In Christ shall all be made alive)
1 Corinthians 15.51–57 (Death is swallowed up in victory)
2 Corinthians 4.7–18 (The things that are unseen are eternal)
2 Corinthians 5.1–9 (What is mortal may be swallowed up by life)
Philippians 3.20–21 (To be like his glorious body)
1 Thessalonians 4.13–18 (So we shall always be with the Lord)
2 Timothy 2.8–12a (If we have died with him, we shall also live with him)
1 Peter 1.3–9 (We have been born anew to a living hope)
1 John 3.1–2 (We shall be like him)
1 John 4.7–18a (We may have confidence for the day of judgement)
Revelation 21.1–7 (Behold I make all things new)
604 Funeral
Gospel Readings
Matthew 5.1–12a (Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven)
Matthew 11.25–30 (Come to me and I will give you rest)
Mark 15.33–39; 16.1–7 (He has risen, he is not here)
Luke 24.13–16(17–27) 28–35 (He was known to them in the breaking of the
bread)
John 5.24–27 (Who hears my word and believes him who sent me, has
eternal life)
John 6.37–40 (All that the Father gives me will come to me)
John 11.17–27 (I am the resurrection and the life)
John 14.1–6 (In my Father’s house are many rooms)
John 20.1–9 (The stone had been taken away from the tomb)
Non-Biblical Readings
A short, appropriate reading from a non-biblical source may be read instead of
one of the readings before the Gospel, or at the time of the sermon, or at
another suitable point in the service.
Funeral 605
Thanksgiving for the Gift of a Child
This service provides an alternative to the Prayer Book rite of the
Churching of Women, expanding the focus of thanksgiving to include
the child and the whole family.
It may be helpful to explore some biblical and human history in order
to appreciate this change in emphasis. There is an ancient and basic
impulse in human society to treat as special or sacred those whom
circumstances have brought into contact with the forces of life and
death. Often this sacred status is both holy and polluting. In Numbers
19.14 everyone who enters the tent of a dead person is unclean, and in
Leviticus 12 a woman who bears a child is unclean; both require ritual
purification in order to be restored to ordinary membership in the
community.
The New Testament recognizes this impulse and at the same time
resists the theological and moral vision of reality on which it is based.
On one hand we have Luke’s beautiful account of the ritual
purification of Mary after the birth of Jesus (2.22–39); on the other
hand we have Jesus’ statement that it is unethical behaviour and not
technical impurity which defiles a person (Matthew 15.16–20), and
Paul’s warning against an obsessive preoccupation with the
traditional ritual calendar (Galatians 4.10f). The freedom of the Gospel
includes freedom from technical, ritual status.
In spite of Christian emancipation from the notion that certain life
experiences make people more or less holy without regard to their
ethical implications, it has remained true for generations of Christians
that close contact with the springs of life and the gates of death
produces a particular kind of consciousness, in both the individual
and his or her society, which may demand expression and resolution
in a particular kind of prayer. Thus forms of prayer for and by women
who have recently given birth have been common among Christians
at least since the fourth century.
Sometimes these forms of prayer have reflected a vision of technical
impurity which is hard to reconcile with the spirit of the New
Testament. In some societies women who have not performed certain
rituals have been isolated and ostracized. In other cases these forms of
prayer have reflected the simple fact that pregnancy and the special
care it requires creates in some cases a distance between a woman and
606 Thanksgiving for a Child

her community, as well as the fact that the delivery of a child is not
without risk even in a technologically developed society.
The development of these forms of prayer may be traced in the names
which have been given to them in the various Books of Common
Prayer. In 1549 it was “The Order of the Purification of Women”; in
1552 it became, “The Thanksgiving of Women after Childbirth,
commonly called the Churching of Women”; it now becomes, “A
Thanksgiving for the Gift of a Child.” The rubrics directing the place
of the woman during the ceremony also provide a clue to the
changing mind of the Church: the Sarum rite directed the woman to
stand “before the church door”; the 1549 Prayer Book said, “nigh
unto the quire door”; in 1552 it was “nigh unto the place where the
table standeth”; in 1662 it was “in some convenient place as hath been
1
accustomed, or as the ordinary shall direct.” Our new rite instructs
the celebrant to “invite the parents and other members of the family
(or families) to present themselves before the congregation.”
Clearly the mind of the Church has been moving and the focus of
these forms of prayer has shifted, not only away from notions of
pollution and purification but also away from exclusive concentration
on the mother towards inclusion of the child and the father, and even
other members of the family. This shift is entirely consistent with the
New Testament’s emphasis on thanksgiving as well as its suspicion of
ritual status. However, those who use this rite should be conscious of
two areas in which it could be open to misunderstanding.
First, moments of deep involvement in the process of life and death
are turning points in our lives; the need for rituals at such moments
varies in intensity from one person to another and no one can decide
for another whether a ritual action is important or even necessary.
Such rituals are legitimate, even healthy, when they are not allowed
to degenerate into mere ritualism and when neither their form nor
their absence is used to dehumanize the persons involved.
Second, the concentration of attention on the child as the cause of
thanksgiving should not lead to confusion of this rite with Christian
initiation. The normative form of initiation remains the baptism of
adults on their profession of faith; initiation may also be extended to
the children of faithful parents. Thanksgiving for the birth or adoption
of a child is not baptism, even though it may be an appropriate action
on the part of parents who have decided (for whatever reason is good
Thanksgiving for a Child 607

to them) to defer the baptism of a child. Confusion of a service of
thanksgiving with Christian initiation will only result in the
denigration of both.
This liturgy has been prepared to meet a number of human situations:
a mother’s delivery of a child, the thanksgiving of a family for the
birth of a child, the thanksgiving of a family for the adoption of a
child. Not all these elements will be present on any given occasion.
This material must therefore be used with discrimination and
sensitivity relevant to the immediate context.
1 The Oxford Dictionary of the Christian Church, Oxford University Press,

London, 1958, p. 290.

This service provides an opportunity for parents to give thanks for the birth or
adoption of a child and to offer prayer for the life of their family. This service
must not be confused with Holy Baptism, which is the sacrament of initiation
into the People of God. The Service of Thanksgiving for the Gift of a Child
may precede or follow Holy Baptism, on the same occasion or at some other
time, or it may be used by those parents who do not, for some reason, wish to
present a child for baptism at that time. Holy Baptism is administered with
water in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit; the Service of
Thanksgiving for the Gift of a Child does not replace Holy Baptism and
should not be conducted at the font.
As soon as may be convenient after the birth of a child, or after receiving a
child for adoption, the parents, with other members of the family, may come
to the Church to give thanks to God and to be greeted by the congregation. It
is desirable that this take place at a public service on a Sunday. If the child is
not to be baptized on that occasion, this service may follow or take the place of
the Prayers of the People in the eucharist or the Intercessions and
Thanksgivings in Morning or Evening Prayer.
A reading, such as Luke 2.41–51 or Luke 18.15–17, may follow the psalm.
At the appointed time the celebrant shall invite the parents and other
members of the family (or families) to present themselves before the
congregation.

Thanksgiving for the
Gift of a Child
The celebrant greets the people, saying,
The celebrant addresses the congregation in these or similar words.
Dear friends in Christ, we have come to thank God our creator
for the gift of this child N; therefore let us join with his/her family
in this song of praise.
Psalm 103 1–4, 13, 17, 18, 22

Bless the Lord, O my soul, *
and all that is within me, bless his holy name.
Bless the Lord, O my soul, *
and forget not all his benefits.
He forgives all your sins *
and heals all your infirmities;
He redeems your life from the grave *
and crowns you with mercy and loving kindness;
As a father cares for his children, *
The merciful goodness of the Lord endures for ever
on those who fear him, *
and his righteousness on children’s children;
On those who keep his covenant *
and remember his commandments and do them.
Bless the Lord, all you works of his,
in all places of his dominion; *
bless the Lord, O my soul.

as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be for ever. Amen.
Or
Psalm 23
The Lord is my shepherd; *
He makes me lie down in green pastures *
He revives my soul *
Though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death,
You spread a table before me in the presence of those
who trouble me; *
Surely your goodness and mercy shall follow me all
the days of my life, *
and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.
as it was in the beginning, is now and will be for ever. Amen.
The celebrant then says,

Let us pray.
God, giver of life,
we thank you for the gift of this child.
Confirm our joy by your presence;
give us quiet strength and patient wisdom
as we seek to nurture him/her
in all that is good, true, just, and pure,

The parents of the child may say together,
God our creator and redeemer,
thank you for the gift of this child,
entrusted to our care for a time.
May we be patient and understanding,
ready to guide and forgive,
that in our love this child may know your love,
and learn to love your world
and the whole family of your children;
If only one parent of a child is present the above form may be used or the
parent may say,
God our creator and redeemer,
thank you for the gift of this child,
entrusted to my care for a time.
May I be patient and understanding,
ready to guide and forgive,
that in my love this child may know your love,
and learn to love your world
and the whole family of your children;
The celebrant may add one or more of the following prayers.

Thanksgiving after Delivery
Gracious God, creator and sustainer of human life, we praise
you that you have called N to share in your creative acts in the
great mystery of childbirth. We give you thanks that she has
been brought safely through the time of pregnancy and labour.
Grant that she may know your joy in bringing new life into this
world which you love, in the name of him who was born of a
woman, Jesus Christ our Redeemer. Amen.
For the Family
Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, who shared in Nazareth the life
of an earthly home, dwell in the home of these your servants,

give them grace to serve others as you have served, and grant
that by deed and word they may be witnesses of your saving
love to those among whom they live, for the sake of your holy
name. Amen.
For a Child Born Handicapped
O God, creator of us all, we give you thanks for the life of this
child. Grant us understanding, compassionate, and accepting
hearts, and the gifts of courage and patience to face the
challenge of caring for him/her; let your love for us show forth in
our lives, that we may create an atmosphere in which he/she will
live a life full of dignity and worth. We ask this in the name of
Jesus Christ the Lord. Amen.
The celebrant and people together may say,

God, giver of all life,
we thank you for calling us
to share in your work of creation,
and especially for giving us this child N.
Help us to show him/her such faith and love
that he/she may daily grow in grace
and live to serve you and your people,
Unless the Lord’s Prayer is said elsewhere in the service, the celebrant shall
say,
Gathering our prayers and praises into one,
your kingdom come,
your will be done,
Forgive us our sins

Or
Celebrant And now as our Saviour Christ has taught us,
we are bold to say,
thy kingdom come,
thy will be done,
The celebrant may then bless the family.
The Lord bless you and keep you. Amen.
The Lord make his face shine on you
and be gracious to you. Amen.
The Lord look upon you with favour
and grant you peace. Amen.
A deacon or lay person says,
The Lord bless us and keep us. Amen.
The Lord make his face shine on us
and be gracious to us. Amen.
The Lord look upon us with favour
and grant us peace. Amen.

Episcopal Offices
The Blessing of Oil
The use of oil for religious purposes was common in Mediterranean
culture. It was Jewish practice to anoint kings, as well as converts to
the faith, and the sick. These practices were carried over into the life
of the Church. In James (5.13–16) we find the Church ministering to
the sick in a rite that included anointing with oil. In baptism anointing
with oil early became a vivid sign of the belief that the new Christian
was sealed with the Holy Spirit.
It is in the Apostolic Tradition of Hippolytus (c. 215) that we have the
earliest existing witness to the manner in which oil was blessed for the
use of the Church. The form was quite simple. Oil to be blessed was
placed on the altar along with the bread and wine at the preparation
of the gifts. The presiding celebrant included a prayer in the Great
Thanksgiving asking that God would grant the desired effect (in this
case healing) to those who were anointed.
In time the rite for the blessing of oil grew increasingly elaborate. In
the West the blessing of oil came to take place on Maundy Thursday,
as this was the last celebration of the eucharist before the Great Vigil
of Easter when most baptisms occurred. In some Churches in the East
the blessing of oil only takes place every seven years, when all the
bishops of the church assemble for the occasion.
This rite takes the simplicity of the Hippolytan text as its model. Oil to
be blessed is placed on the holy table in suitable vessels when the
bread and wine are prepared. One vessel should be used for oil for
anointing the sick and another vessel for oil for baptism (chrism).
Appropriate forms of blessing are inserted into the Great
Thanksgiving.
The day on which the blessing takes place is not specified. In some
urban dioceses clergy and laity gather at midday on Maundy
Thursday for this event. In other dioceses distance would make this
impossible. It is important to find an occasion on which as many
clergy and lay people of the diocese as possible may be present, e.g.,
one of the services at a synod, so that the blessing of oil will be seen as
an action of the whole diocesan Church.
616 Blessing of Oil

Preparation
The oil to be consecrated is normally olive oil or, according to circumstances,
other plant oil.
Traditionally, a small amount of oil of balsam or other fragrant oil is added to
the oil to be set aside for use as chrism.
The oil should be prepared beforehand in the sacristy or other suitable place.
Vessels large enough to be seen clearly by the congregation should be
used—one vessel for the oil for anointing the sick and one vessel for the oil for
baptism.
The Service
Oil is blessed during a celebration of the eucharist. The diocesan bishop is the
minister of this service. It is appropriately celebrated when there is a
gathering of clergy and lay people from the whole diocese. Priests from
various parts of the diocese may preside with the bishop.
The oil to be blessed is placed on the altar during the Preparation of the Gifts.
It may be presented along with bread and wine in an offertory procession.
If there is a procession at the end of the service, the oil that has been blessed is
carried out to the sacristy during that procession.
After the service, the oil for anointing the sick and the oil of baptism are
poured into separate small bottles for distribution to parishes. Sufficient
quantity should remain at the cathedral or some other central place to supply
further need during the year.
Blessed oil should be kept reverently and in a safe place.
The oil should be renewed each time the bishop blesses oil. Old oil should
either be poured onto the earth or into some absorbent material and then
burned.
The oil for anointing the sick is to be used only by clergy and those lay
persons who have received due authorization by the Ordinary.
Blessing of Oil 617

The Blessing of Oil
The following proper prayers and readings, and Great Thanksgiving shall
be used.
Collect
Heavenly Father,
you anointed your Son Jesus Christ
with the Holy Spirit and with power
to bring the good news of your kingdom.
Anoint your Church with the same Holy Spirit,
that we who share in his suffering and his victory
may bear witness to the gospel of salvation;
one God, now and forever.
Readings
Isaiah 61.1–9 Psalm 89.19–29
Refrain The Lord is the rock of our salvation. Or v. 20
James 5.13–16a or Revelation 1.4b–8 Luke 4.16–21

Loving God,
your Son was anointed by the Holy Spirit
not to be served but to serve.
that we who are called to serve you in the world
may be effective ministers of your healing love.
This we ask in the name of Jesus, the Christ, our Lord.
618 Blessing of Oil

The Eucharistic Prayer
Bishop The Lord be with you.
Bishop Lift up your hearts.
Bishop Let us give thanks to the Lord our God.
Bishop Blessed are you, gracious God,
for you anointed your Son Jesus Christ
with the Holy Spirit and with power;
and you anoint us
with the same Spirit in baptism,
making us a holy people
in the royal priesthood of the new covenant.
Your apostles anointed the sick
and healed them,
and by your grace
the ministry of healing continues in your Church;
for you sustain us with your presence
and drive away sickness of body and spirit,
giving us new life and health
that we may serve you both now and ever more.
Therefore we praise you
with angels and archangels,
Blessing of Oil 619

Bishop We give thanks to you, Lord our God,
Jesus your Son.
he gave it to them,
620 Blessing of Oil
to send your Holy Spirit upon these gifts
Send your Holy Spirit on this oil,
that those who in faith and repentance
receive this holy unction may be made whole,
[and that those who are sealed with this chrism
may share in the royal priesthood
of Jesus Christ].
and make them new,
now and for ever.
People Amen.
If chrism is not being consecrated, the words in brackets are omitted.
Blessing of Oil 621

Lord God,
in baptism you anoint us with your Holy Spirit,
and in this eucharist you feed us with the bread of life.
Strengthen us in our ministry of service
that we may preach good news to the poor,
proclaim release to the captives
and recovery of sight to the blind,
set at liberty those who are oppressed,
and proclaim the acceptable year of the Lord.
This we ask in the name of Jesus, the Christ, our Lord.
622 Blessing of Oil

Confirmation
When the rites of Confirmation, Reception, and the Reaffirmation of
Baptismal Vows are administered apart from the administration of baptism,
the following form is used.
The Nicene Creed is not used at this service.
All stand. The bishop greets the community.
Bishop The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ,
be with you all.

Bishop Alleluia! Christ is risen.
Bishop May his grace and peace be with you.
The bishop then continues,

There is one body and one Spirit,
People There is one hope in God’s call to us;
Bishop One Lord, one faith, one baptism,
People One God and Father of all.
Then may follow a canticle or a hymn.
The Collect
At the principal service on a Sunday or other feast, the proper is of the day.
Bishop Let us pray.
The community may pray silently for a while. The bishop sings or says the
collect, at the conclusion of which all respond, Amen.
Confirmation 623
At the discretion of the bishop, however, the following collect and readings
appropriate to the occasion may be used instead.
Almighty God,
grant that we who have been buried with Christ in baptism
may be raised with him to newness of life.
Renew us by the power of your Holy Spirit
that we may live in righteousness and true holiness,

The readings are those of the Sunday or feast day if the confirmation takes
place at the principal service. At the discretion of the bishop one or more of the
readings on p. 630 may be used instead. Lay persons may act as readers.
The people sit for the first reading.
Then shall follow a psalm as appointed.
The second reading as appointed.
A psalm, canticle, hymn, or anthem may follow the reading.

624 Confirmation
according to . . .
The Sermon
Presentation and Examination

The presenters say to the bishop,
I present these persons for confirmation.
Or I present these persons to be received into this
Communion.
Or I present these persons who desire to reaffirm their
baptismal vows.
The bishop asks those who have been presented to renew their baptismal
commitment,
Do you reaffirm your renunciation of evil?
Response I do.
Bishop Do you renew your commitment to Jesus Christ?
Response I do.
Bishop Do you put your whole trust in his grace and love?
Response I do, and with God’s grace I will follow him as my
Saviour and Lord.
After all have been presented, the bishop addresses the congregation, saying,
Will you who witness these vows do all in your
power to support these persons in their life in Christ?
People We will.
Confirmation 625
The bishop then says in these or similar words,
Let us join with those who commit themselves
again to Christ and renew our own baptismal
covenant.
The Baptismal Covenant

Bishop Do you believe in God the Father?
Bishop Do you believe in Jesus Christ, the Son of God?
He will come again
Bishop Do you believe in God the Holy Spirit?
People I believe in God the Holy Spirit,
Bishop Will you continue in the apostles’ teaching and
prayers?
626 Confirmation
Bishop Will you persevere in resisting evil and, whenever
Bishop Will you proclaim by word and example the good
Bishop Will you seek and serve Christ in all persons, loving
Bishop Will you strive for justice and peace among all
people, and respect the dignity of every human being?
Bishop Will you strive to safeguard the integrity of God’s
creation, and respect, sustain and renew the life of
the Earth?
Prayers
The bishop says to the congregation,
Let us pray for those who are affirming their
baptism, and for all the baptized everywhere,
saying, “Lord, hear our prayer.”
A person appointed leads the following litany.
Leader That they may be redeemed from all evil and rescued
from the way of sin and death; in your mercy,
Leader That the Holy Spirit may open their hearts
to your grace and truth; in your mercy,
Leader That they may be kept
in the faith and communion of your holy Church;
in your mercy,
Confirmation 627
Leader That they may be sent into the world
in witness to your love;
in your mercy,
Leader That they may be brought
to the fullness of your peace and glory;
in your mercy,
Other prayers may be added.
Bishop Into your hands, O Lord, we commend all for
whom we pray, trusting in your mercy, through
your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord.
People Amen.
Silence may be kept. Then the bishop says,
Almighty God, we thank you that by the death and
resurrection of your Son Jesus Christ you have overcome sin
and brought us to yourself, and that by the sealing of your
Holy Spirit you have bound us to your service. Renew in these
your servants the covenant you made with them at their baptism.
Send them forth in the power of that Spirit to perform the
service you set before them; through Jesus Christ your Son our
The bishop lays his/her hand upon each one and says,
For Confirmation
Strengthen, O Lord, your servant N with your Holy Spirit;
empower him/her for your service; and sustain him/her all the
days of his/her life. Amen.
Or this:
Defend, O Lord, your servant N with your heavenly grace, that
he/she may continue yours for ever, and daily increase in your
Holy Spirit more and more, until he/she comes to your
everlasting kingdom. Amen.
628 Confirmation
For Reception
N, we recognize you as a member of the one holy catholic and
apostolic Church, and we receive you into the fellowship of
this Communion. God, the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, bless,
preserve, and keep you. Amen.
For Reaffirmation
N, may the Holy Spirit, who has begun a good work in you,
direct and uphold you in the service of Christ and his kingdom.
Amen.
The bishop may say,
Almighty and everliving God, let your fatherly hand ever be
over these your servants; let your Holy Spirit ever be with them;
and so lead them in the knowledge and obedience of your
word, that they may serve you in this life, and dwell with you
in the life to come; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
The Peace
All stand, and the bishop addresses the people.
The service continues with the preparation of the gifts for the eucharist, at
which the bishop should be the principal celebrant.
It is appropriate that the oblations of bread and wine be presented by persons
newly confirmed.
The preface is normally that of the day. The third Preface of the Lord’s Day
may be used.
If there is no celebration of the eucharist, the service continues with the Lord’s
Prayer and other concluding prayers.
Confirmation 629
Readings and Psalms Suitable for Confirmation
Jeremiah 31.31–34 (I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel)
Isaiah 61.1–9 (The Spirit of the Lord God is upon me)
Psalm and Suitable Refrain

Psalm 139.1–9 (Your hand will lead me and your right hand hold me fast)

Ephesians 4.7,11–16 (To equip the saints for the work of ministry)
Romans 12.1–8 (To present your bodies as a living sacrifice)
Gospel Readings
Matthew 5.1–12 (Blessed are the poor in spirit)
Luke 4.16–21 (The Spirit of the Lord is upon me)
630 Confirmation
Preface to the Ordination Rites
The Holy Scriptures and ancient Christian writers make it clear that
from the apostles’ time there have been different ministries within the
Church. In particular, since the time of the New Testament, three
distinct orders of ordained ministers have been characteristic of
Christ’s holy catholic Church. First, there is the order of bishops who
carry on the apostolic work of leading, supervising, and uniting the
Church. Secondly, associated with them are the presbyters, or
ordained elders, in subsequent times generally known as priests.
Together with the bishops, they take part in the governance of the
Church, in the carrying out of its missionary and pastoral work, and
in the preaching of the word of God and the administration of his holy
sacraments. Thirdly, there are deacons who, in addition to assisting
bishops and priests in all this work, have a special responsibility to
minister in Christ’s name to the poor, the sick, the suffering, and the
helpless.
The persons who are chosen and recognized by the Church as being
called by God to the ordained ministry are admitted to these sacred
orders by solemn prayer and the laying on of episcopal hands. It has
been, and is, the intention and purpose of this Church to maintain
and continue these three orders; and for this purpose these services of
ordination and consecration are appointed. No persons are allowed to
exercise the offices of bishop, priest, or deacon in this Church unless
they are so ordained, or have already received such ordination with
the laying on of hands by bishops who are themselves duly qualified
to confer holy orders.
It is also recognized and affirmed that the threefold ministry is not the
exclusive property of this portion of Christ’s catholic Church, but is a
gift from God for the nurture of his people and the proclamation of his
gospel everywhere. Accordingly, the manner of ordaining in this
Church is to be such as has been, and is, most generally recognized by
Christian people as suitable for the conferring of the sacred orders of
bishop, priest, and deacon.
Ordination 631
Concerning the Ordination of a Bishop
In accordance with ancient custom, it is desirable, if possible, that bishops be
ordained on Sundays or other feasts of our Lord, or on the feasts of apostles or
evangelists.
When a bishop is to be ordained, the archbishop, or a bishop appointed by
him/her, presides and serves as chief consecrator. At least two other bishops
serve as co-consecrators. Representatives of the presbyterate, diaconate, and
laity of the diocese for which the new bishop is to be consecrated, are assigned
appropriate duties in the service.
From the beginning of the service until the offertory the chief consecrator
presides from a chair placed close to the people, so that all may see and hear
what is done. The other bishops, or a convenient number of them, sit to the
right and left of the chief consecrator.
When the bishop-elect is presented, his/her full name (designated by the sign
NN) is used. Thereafter, it is appropriate to refer to him/her only by the
Christian name by which he/she wishes to be known.
632 Ordination of a Bishop

The Ordination of a Bishop
A hymn may be sung at the entry of the bishops and others. All stand. The
presiding archbishop greets the community.
be with you all.
Archbishop Alleluia! Christ is risen.
Archbishop May his grace and peace be with us.
Archbishop Almighty God,
all desires known,
Glory to God (or other customary hymn) is not sung.
The prayers, readings, and preface are normally those of the day. If the
propers are inappropriate, the following prayer may be used, a selection may
be made from the list of readings on pp. 659–660, the Prayer over the Gifts
for Ember Days on p. 396 or for the Common of a Pastor on p. 435, and the
Preface of Ordination may be used.

The archbishop says, Let us pray. The community may pray silently.
The archbishop sings or says either the Collect of the Day or the following:
The Readings
Three lessons are read. Lay persons should normally be assigned the readings
which precede the Gospel. A psalm, canticle, hymn, anthem, or period of
silence may follow the lessons.
The Sermon
The Presentation
After the sermon, while the bishops and others sit, representatives of the
diocese and province (priests, deacons, and lay persons), standing before the
archbishop, present the bishop-elect, saying,
N, bishop in the Church of God,
the clergy and people of the Diocese (or province) of N,
trusting in the guidance of the Holy Spirit,
have chosen NN to be a bishop and chief pastor.

We therefore ask you to lay your hands upon him/her
and in the power of the Holy Spirit
to consecrate him/her a bishop
in the one, holy, catholic, and apostolic Church.
The archbishop then directs that testimonials of the election be read. When the
reading of the testimonials is ended, the archbishop requires the following
promise from the bishop-elect.
In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy
Spirit, I, NN, chosen bishop of the Church and see of N,
solemnly declare that I do believe the holy scriptures of the Old
and New Testaments to be the word of God, and to contain all
things necessary to salvation; I do solemnly promise to conform
to the doctrine, discipline, and worship of the Anglican Church
of Canada; and I do pledge myself to render due obedience to
the Metropolitan of N and to his successors. So help me God,
through Jesus Christ.
The bishop-elect then signs the above declaration in the sight of all present.
The witnesses add their signatures.
All stand. The archbishop then asks the response of the people in these or
similar words.
Brothers and sisters in Christ Jesus, you have heard testimony
given that NN has been duly and lawfully elected to be a bishop
of the Church of God to serve in the Diocese of N. You have
been assured of his/her suitability and that the Church has
approved him/her for this sacred responsibility. Nevertheless, if
any of you know any reason why we should not proceed, let it
now be made known.
If no objection is made, the archbishop continues,
Is it your will that we ordain N a bishop?
People It is.
Archbishop Will you uphold N as bishop?
People We will.

The Examination
All now sit except the bishop-elect, who stands facing the bishops. The
archbishop addresses the bishop-elect.
N, the people have chosen you and have affirmed their trust in
you by acclaiming your election. A bishop in God’s holy
Church is called to be one with the apostles in proclaiming
Christ’s resurrection and interpreting the Gospel, and to testify
to Christ’s sovereignty as Lord of lords and King of kings.
You are called to guard the faith, unity, and discipline of the
Church; to celebrate and to provide for the administration of
the sacraments of the new covenant; to ordain priests and
deacons, and to join in ordaining bishops; and to be in all
things a faithful pastor and wholesome example for the entire
flock of Christ.
With your fellow bishops you will share in the leadership of the
Church throughout the world. Your heritage is the faith of
patriarchs, prophets, apostles, and martyrs, and those of every
generation who have looked to God in hope. Your joy will be to
follow him who came not to be served but to serve, and to give
his life a ransom for many.
Are you persuaded that God has called you to the office of
bishop?
Answer I am so persuaded.
The following questions are then addressed to the bishop-elect by one or more
of the other bishops.
Bishop Will you accept this call and fulfil this trust in
obedience to Christ?
Answer I will obey Christ, and will serve in his name.
Bishop Will you be faithful in prayer, and in the study of
holy scripture, that you may have the mind of
Christ?
Answer I will, for he is my help.

Bishop Will you boldly proclaim and interpret the gospel of
Christ, enlightening the minds and stirring up the
conscience of your people?
Answer I will, in the power of the Spirit.
Bishop As a chief priest and pastor, will you encourage and
support all baptized people in their gifts and
ministries, nourish them from the riches of God’s
grace, pray for them without ceasing, and celebrate
with them the sacraments of our redemption?
Answer I will, in the name of Christ, the shepherd and
bishop of our souls.
Bishop Will you guard the faith, unity, and discipline of the
Church?
Answer I will, for the love of God.
Bishop Will you share with your fellow bishops in the
government of the whole Church; will you sustain
your fellow presbyters and take counsel with them;
will you guide and strengthen the deacons and all
others who minister in the Church?
Answer I will, by the grace given me.
Bishop Will you be merciful to all, show compassion to the
poor and strangers, and defend those who have no
helper?
Answer I will, for the sake of Jesus Christ.
All stand. The archbishop then says,
N, through these promises you have committed yourself to
God, to serve his Church in the office of bishop. We therefore
call upon you, chosen to be a guardian of the Church’s faith, to
lead us in confessing that faith.
All say the Nicene Creed (p. 188) together, the bishop-elect beginning,
We believe in one God, . . .

The Consecration of the Bishop
All remain standing, except the bishop-elect, who kneels before the
archbishop. The other bishops stand to the right and left of the archbishop.
The archbishop says,
The scriptures tell us that our Saviour Christ spent the whole
night in prayer before he chose and sent forth his twelve
apostles. Likewise, the apostles prayed before they appointed
Matthias to be one of their number. Let us, therefore, follow
their examples, and offer our prayers to Almighty God before
we ordain N for the work to which we trust the Holy Spirit has
called him/her.
The people remain standing or kneel, as directed by the archbishop.
The Litany for Ordinations is sung or said, according to one of the two forms
The hymn Veni Creator Spiritus or the hymn Veni Sancte Spiritus is sung.
(Some suitable translations are listed on p. 665.)
A period of silent prayer follows.
The archbishop stands with the bishops who assist him/her, the bishop-elect
kneeling before him/her; he/she stretches out his/her hands toward him/her,
and begins this Prayer of Consecration.
We praise and glorify you, almighty Father, because you have
formed throughout the world a holy people for your own
possession, a royal priesthood, a universal Church.
We praise and glorify you because you have given us your only
Son Jesus Christ to be the Apostle and High Priest of our faith,
and the Shepherd of our souls.
We praise and glorify you that by his death he has overcome
death; and that, having ascended into heaven, he has given his
gifts abundantly to your people, making some, apostles; some,
prophets; some, evangelists; some, pastors and teachers; to
equip them for the work of ministry and to build up his Body.

And now we give you thanks that you have called this your
servant to share this ministry entrusted to your Church.
Here the archbishop and other bishops lay their hands on the head of the
bishop-elect, and the archbishop says,
Send down your Holy Spirit upon your servant N, whom we
consecrate in your name to the office and work of a bishop in
the Church.
The archbishop then continues, with hands extended,
Almighty Father, fill this your servant with the grace and
power which you gave to your apostles, that he/she may lead those
committed to his/her charge in proclaiming the gospel of salvation.
Through him/her increase your Church, renew its ministry, and
unite its members in a holy fellowship of truth and love. Enable
him/her as a true shepherd to feed and govern your flock; make
him/her wise as a teacher, and steadfast as a guardian of its faith
and sacraments. Guide and direct him/her in presiding at the
worship of your people. Give him/her humility, that he/she may
use his/her authority to heal, not to hurt; to build up, not to
destroy. Defend him/her from all evil, that, as a ruler over your
household and an ambassador for Christ, he/she may stand before
you blameless, and finally, with all your servants, enter your
eternal joy.
Accept our prayers, most merciful Father, through your Son
Jesus Christ our Lord, to whom, with you and your Holy Spirit,
belong glory and honour, worship and praise, now and
for ever.
People Amen.
The new bishop is now vested according to the order of bishops. Symbols of
office, such as a ring and pectoral cross, may be presented to him/her. The
archbishop presents him/her with a Bible, saying,
Receive the holy scriptures. Feed the flock of Christ committed
to your charge, guard and defend them in his truth, and be a
faithful steward of his holy word and sacraments.

The archbishop presents him/her with a pastoral staff, saying,
Receive this staff as a sign of your pastoral office; keep watch
over the whole flock in which the Holy Spirit has appointed
you to shepherd the Church of God. Encourage the faithful,
restore the lost, build up the Body of Christ; that when the
Chief Shepherd shall appear, you may receive the unfading
crown of glory.
The Peace
The archbishop presents to the people the new bishop, saying,
I present N, bishop in the Church of God.
The new bishop then says,
Offertory, Thanksgiving, and Communion

The liturgy continues with the offertory. The archbishop or senior bishop,
joined by the new bishop, other bishops, and presbyters, presides at the
eucharist as chief celebrant.
After Communion
One of the bishops leads the people in the following:
Almighty Father,
we thank you for feeding us with the holy food
of the body and blood of your Son,
and for uniting us through him
in the fellowship of your Holy Spirit.
We thank you for raising up among us
faithful servants for the ministry
of your word and sacraments.
We pray that N may be to us
a godly example in word and action,
in love and patience,
and in holiness of life.

Grant that we, with him, may serve you now,
and always rejoice in your glory;
through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord,
The new bishop blesses the people, first saying,
Our help is in the name of the Lord,
People The maker of heaven and earth.
Bishop Blessed be the name of the Lord,
People From this time forth for evermore.
Bishop The blessing, mercy, and grace of God almighty,
be upon you and remain with you for ever.
People Amen.
Or the bishop may bless the people with one of the forms of blessing on p.683.
A deacon dismisses the people with these words.

Go forth into the world,
dismissal and the people’s response. A hymn may be sung as the bishops and
others leave the church.
Further directions for this and the other rites of ordination may be found on
p. 666.

Concerning the Ordination of a Priest
It is desirable, if possible, that priests be ordained on Sundays or other feasts.
Whenever a bishop is to confer holy orders, at least two presbyters should be
present.
From the beginning of the service until the offertory, the bishop presides from
a chair placed close to the people, so that all may see and hear what is done.
When each ordinand is presented, his/her full name (designated by the sign
642 Ordination of a Priest

The Ordination of a Priest
A hymn may be sung at the entry of the bishop and others. All stand. The
bishop greets the community.
be with you all.
Bishop May his grace and peace be with us.
Bishop Almighty God,
all desires known,

The bishop says, Let us pray. The community may pray silently.
The bishop sings or says either the Collect of the Day or the following:
The Readings
The Sermon
The Presentation
After the sermon and the Nicene Creed (p. 188), the bishop and people sit. A
priest and a lay person, and additional presenters if desired, standing before
the bishop, present the ordinand, saying,
on behalf of the clergy and people of the Diocese of N,
we present you NN to be ordained a priest
in Christ’s holy catholic Church.

Bishop Has he/she been selected in accordance with the
canons and customs of this Church? And do you
believe his/her manner of life to be suitable to the
exercise of this ministry?
Presenters We certify to you that he/she has been duly selected,
and we believe him/her to be qualified for this order.
The bishop says to the ordinand,
Will you be loyal to the doctrine, discipline, and worship of
Christ as this Church has received them? And will you, in
accordance with the canons of this Church, obey your bishop
and other ministers who may have authority over you and your
work?
The ordinand answers,
I am willing and ready to do so; and I solemnly declare that I do
believe the holy scriptures of the Old and New Testaments to
be the word of God, and to contain all things necessary to
salvation; and I do solemnly promise to conform to the
doctrine, discipline, and worship of the Anglican Church of
Canada.
The ordinand then signs the above declaration in the sight of all present.
All stand. The bishop says to the people,
Dear friends in Christ, you know the importance of this
ministry, and the weight of your responsibility in presenting
NN for ordination to the sacred priesthood. Therefore, if any of
you know any impediment or crime for which we should not
proceed, come forward now, and make it known.
If no objection is made, the bishop continues,
Is it your will that N be ordained a priest?
People It is.
Bishop Will you uphold him/her in this ministry?
People We will.

The Examination
All now sit except the ordinand, who stands before the bishop. The bishop
addresses the ordinand as follows:
N, the Church is the family of God, the body of Christ, and the
temple of the Holy Spirit. All baptized people are called to
make Christ known as Saviour and Lord, and to share in the
renewing of his world. Now you are called to work as a pastor,
priest, and teacher, together with your bishop and fellow
presbyters, and to take your share in the councils of the
Church.
As a priest, it will be your task to proclaim by word and deed
the gospel of Jesus Christ, and to fashion your life in accordance
with its precepts. You are to love and serve the people among
whom you work, caring alike for young and old, strong and
weak, rich and poor. You are to preach, to declare God’s
forgiveness to penitent sinners, to pronounce God’s blessing,
to preside at the administration of holy baptism and at the
celebration of the mysteries of Christ’s body and blood, and to
perform the other ministrations entrusted to you.
In all that you do, you are to nourish Christ’s people from the
riches of his grace, and strengthen them to glorify God in this
life and in the life to come.
Do you believe that you are truly called by God and his Church
to this priesthood?
Answer I believe I am so called.
Bishop Do you now in the presence of the Church commit
yourself to this trust and responsibility?
Answer I do.
Bishop Will you respect and be guided by the pastoral
direction and leadership of your bishop?
Answer I will.

Bishop Will you be diligent in the reading and study of the
holy scriptures, and in seeking the knowledge of
such things as may make you a stronger and more
able minister of Christ?
Answer I will.
Bishop Will you endeavour so to minister the word of God
and the sacraments of the new covenant, that the
reconciling love of Christ may be known and
received?
Answer I will.
Bishop Will you undertake to be a faithful pastor to all
whom you are called to serve, labouring together
with them and with your fellow ministers to build
up the family of God?
Answer I will.
Bishop Will you do your best to pattern your life (and that of
your family) in accordance with the teachings of
Christ, so that you may be a wholesome example to
your people?
Answer I will.
Bishop Will you persevere in prayer, both in public and in
private, asking God’s grace, both for yourself and for
others, and offering all your labours to God,
through the mediation of Jesus Christ, and in the
sanctification of the Holy Spirit?
Answer I will.
Bishop May the Lord who has given you the will to do
these things give you the grace and power to
perform them.
Answer Amen.

The Consecration of the Priest
Now all stand except the ordinand, who kneels facing the bishop and the
presbyters, who stand to the right and left of the bishop. The bishop calls the
people to prayer with these or similar words.
In peace let us pray to the Lord.
The people remain standing or kneel, as directed by the bishop.
The Litany for Ordinations is sung or said, according to one of the two
forms provided on pp. 661–664.
The bishop stands with the priests who assist him/her, the ordinand
kneeling before him/her; he/she stretches out his/her hands toward him/her,
and begins this Prayer of Consecration.
We praise and glorify you, almighty Father, because you have
formed throughout the world a holy people for your own
possession, a royal priesthood, a universal Church.
We praise and glorify you because you have given us your only
Son Jesus Christ to be the Apostle and High Priest of our faith,
and the Shepherd of our souls.
We praise and glorify you that by his death he has overcome
death; and that, having ascended into heaven, he has given his
gifts abundantly to your people, making some, apostles; some,
prophets; some, evangelists; some, pastors and teachers; to
equip them for the work of ministry and to build up his Body.
Here the bishop and priests lay their hands on the head of each ordinand, and
the bishop says,
consecrate in your name to the office and work of a priest in the
Church.

The bishop then continues, with hands extended,
Almighty Father, give to this your servant grace and power to
fulfil his/her ministry among the people committed to his/her
charge; to watch over them and care for them; to absolve and
bless them in your name; and to proclaim the gospel of your
salvation. Set him/her among your people to offer spiritual
sacrifices acceptable in your sight, and as you have called
him/her to your service, make him/her by the gift of your Holy
Spirit worthy of his/her calling. Give him/her wisdom and
discipline to work faithfully with all his/her fellow servants in
Christ, that the world may come to know your glory and your
love.
Accept our prayers, most merciful Father, through your Son
Jesus Christ our Lord, to whom, with you and your Holy Spirit,
belong glory and honour, worship and praise, now and for
ever.
People Amen.
The new priest is now vested according to the order of priests. The bishop
hands a Bible and a chalice and paten to each new priest, saying,
Receive this Bible and this chalice and paten as signs of the
authority given you to preach the word of God and to
administer his holy sacraments. Do not forget the trust
committed to you as a priest of the Church of God.
The Peace
The bishop presents the new priest to the congregation. A new priest then
says to the congregation,

The liturgy continues with the offertory. The newly ordained priest joins
with the bishop and other presbyters in the celebration of the eucharist and in
the breaking of the bread.

After Communion
The bishop says the following prayer.
Almighty Father, we thank you for feeding us with the holy
food of the body and blood of your Son, and for uniting us
through him in the fellowship of your Holy Spirit. We thank
you for raising up among us faithful servants for the ministry of
your word and sacraments. We pray that N may be to us a
godly example in word and action, in love and patience, and in
holiness of life. Grant that we, with him/her, may serve you
now, and always rejoice in your glory; through Jesus Christ
your Son our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy
Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.
The bishop blesses the people, first saying,
Bishop The blessing, mercy, and grace of God Almighty,
People Amen.

dismissal and the people’s response. A hymn may be sung as the bishop and
others leave the church.
p. 666.

Concerning the Ordination of a Deacon
It is desirable, if possible, that deacons be ordained on Sundays or other
feasts. Whenever a bishop is to confer holy orders, at least two presbyters
should be present.
From the beginning of the service until the offertory the bishop presides from a
chair placed close to the people, so that all may see and hear what is done.
When each ordinand is presented, his/her full name (designated by the sign

The Ordination of a Deacon
A hymn may be sung at the entry of the bishop and others.
All stand. The bishop greets the community.
be with you all.

Bishop May his grace and peace be with us.

Bishop Almighty God,
all desires known,

652 Ordination of a Deacon

The bishop says, Let us pray. The community may pray silently.
The bishop sings or says either the Collect of the Day or the following:
The Readings
The Sermon
The Presentation
After the sermon and the Nicene Creed (p. 188), the bishop and people sit. A
priest and a lay person, and additional presenters if desired, standing before
the bishop, present the ordinand, saying,
on behalf of the clergy and people of the diocese of N,
we present you NN to be ordained a deacon
in Christ’s holy catholic Church.

Bishop Has he/she been selected in accordance with the
canons and customs of this Church? And do you
believe his/her manner of life to be suitable to the
exercise of this ministry?
Presenters We certify to you that he/she has been duly selected,
and we believe him/her to be qualified for this order.
The bishop says to the ordinand,
Will you be loyal to the doctrine, discipline, and worship of
Christ as this Church has received them? And will you, in
accordance with the canons of this Church, obey your bishop
and other ministers who may have authority over you and your
work?
The ordinand answers,
I am willing and ready to do so; and I solemnly declare that I do
believe the holy scriptures of the Old and New Testaments to
be the word of God, and to contain all things necessary to
salvation; and I do solemnly promise to conform to the
doctrine, discipline, and worship of the Anglican Church of
Canada.
The ordinand then signs the above declaration in the sight of all present.
All stand. The bishop says to the people,
Dear friends in Christ, you know the importance of this
ministry, and the weight of your responsibility in presenting
NN for ordination to the sacred order of deacons. Therefore, if
any of you know any impediment or crime for which we
should not proceed, come forward now and make it known.
If no objection is made, the bishop continues,
Is it your will that N be ordained a deacon?
People It is.
Bishop Will you uphold him/her in this ministry?
People We will.

The Examination
All now sit except the ordinand, who stands before the bishop. The bishop
addresses the ordinand as follows.
N, every Christian is called to follow Jesus Christ, serving God
the Father, through the power of the Holy Spirit. God now calls
you to a special ministry of servanthood, directly under the
authority of your bishop. In the name of Jesus Christ, you are
to serve all people, particularly the poor, the weak, the sick,
and the lonely.
As a deacon in the Church, you are to study the holy scriptures,
to seek nourishment from them, and to model your life upon
them. You are to make Christ and his redemptive love known,
by your word and example, to those among whom you live and
work and worship. You are to interpret to the Church the
needs, concerns, and hopes of the world. You are to assist the
bishop and priests in public worship, and in the ministration of
God’s word and sacraments, and you are to carry out other
duties assigned to you from time to time. At all times, your life
and teaching are to show Christ’s people that in serving the
helpless they are serving Christ himself.
Do you believe that you are truly called by God and his Church
to the life and work of a deacon?
Answer I believe I am so called.
Bishop Do you now in the presence of the Church commit
yourself to this trust and responsibility?
Answer I do.
Bishop Will you be guided by the pastoral direction and
leadership of your bishop?
Answer I will.
Bishop Will you be faithful in prayer, and in the reading
and study of the holy scriptures?
Answer I will.
Bishop Will you look for Christ in all others, being ready to
help and serve those in need?
Answer I will.
Bishop Will you do your best to pattern your life (and that of
your family) in accordance with the teachings of
Christ, so that you may be a wholesome example to
your people?
Answer I will.
Bishop Will you in all things seek not your glory but the
glory of the Lord Christ?
Answer I will.
Bishop May the Lord by his grace uphold you in the service
to which you are called.
Answer Amen.
The Consecration of the Deacon

Now all stand except the ordinand, who kneels facing the bishop. The
bishop calls the people to prayer with these or similar words.
In peace let us pray to the Lord.
The people remain standing or kneel, as directed by the bishop.
The Litany for Ordinations is sung or said, according to one of the two forms
The bishop stands with the priests who assist him/her; the ordinand kneels
before him/her; he/she stretches out his/her hands toward him/her and
begins this Prayer of Consecration.
We praise and glorify you, most merciful Father, because in
your great love of our human race you sent your only Son Jesus
Christ to take the form of a servant; he came to serve and not to
be served; and to teach us that he who would be great among
us must be the servant of all; he humbled himself for our sake,
and in obedience accepted death, even death on a cross;
therefore you highly exalted him and gave him the name which
is above every name.

Here the bishop lays his/her hands on the head of each ordinand.
now consecrate in your name to the office and work of a deacon
in the Church.
The bishop continues.
Almighty Father, give to this your servant grace and power to
fulfil his/her ministry. Make him/her faithful to serve, ready to
teach, and constant to advance your gospel; and grant that
always having full assurance of faith, abounding in hope, and
being rooted and grounded in love, he/she may continue strong
and steadfast in your Son Jesus Christ our Lord, to whom, with
you and your Holy Spirit, belong glory and honour, worship
and praise, now and for ever.
People Amen.
The new deacon is now vested according to the order of deacons. The bishop
gives a Bible to each of the newly ordained, saying,
Receive this Bible as the sign of your authority to proclaim
God’s word and to assist in the ministration of his holy
sacraments.
The Peace
The bishop presents the new deacon to the congregation. The bishop then
says to the congregation,

The liturgy continues with the offertory. The newly ordained deacon
prepares the elements and places the vessels on the Lord’s Table. The
bishop, joined (if possible) by presbyters, presides at the celebration of the
eucharist.

After Communion
The bishop says the following prayer.
Almighty Father, we thank you for feeding us with the holy
food of the body and blood of your Son, and for uniting us
through him in the fellowship of your Holy Spirit. We thank
you for raising up among us faithful servants for the ministry of
your word and sacraments. We pray that N may be to us a
godly example in word and action, in love and patience, and in
holiness of life. Grant that we, with him/her, may serve you
now, and always rejoice in your glory; through Jesus Christ our
The bishop blesses the people, first saying,

Bishop The blessing, mercy, and grace of God almighty,
People Amen.

From Easter Day to the Day of Pentecost, Alleluia is added to the dismissal
and the people’s response. A hymn may be sung as the bishops and others
leave the church.
p. 666.

Readings and Psalms Suitable for Ordinations
For a Bishop
Isaiah 42.1–9 (I am the Lord, I have called you in righteousness)
Ezekiel 34.11–16 (I myself will search for my sheep, and will seek them out)

99 (Proclaim the greatness of the Lord our God; he is the Holy One)
40 (Behold, I come to do your will, O God)
100 (We are his people and the sheep of his pasture)

2 Corinthians 4.1–10 (Having this ministry by the mercy of God, we do not
lose heart)
Hebrews 5.1–10 (Christ did not exalt himself to be made a high priest, but
was appointed by him who said to him, ‘Thou art my Son . . .‘)
Gospel Readings
John 20.19–23 (Receive the Holy Spirit)
John 21.15–17 (Feed my sheep)
For a Priest
Isaiah 61.1–8 (The Spirit of the Lord God is upon me)
Ezekiel 33.1–9 (So you, son of man, I have made a watchman for the house
of Israel)
Psalms and Suitable Readings

43 (Send out your light and your truth, that they may lead me)
132 (Let your priests be clothed with righteousness; let your faithful people
sing with joy)
Ordination 659
Ephesians 4.7–13 (And his gifts were that some should be apostles, some
prophets, some evangelists, some pastors and teachers)
1 Peter 5.1–11 (Tend the flock of God that is your charge)
Gospel Readings
Matthew 9.35 –38 (The harvest is plentiful, but the labourers are few)
For a Deacon
Isaiah 6.1–8 (Whom shall I send, and who will go for us?)
Jeremiah 1.4–9 (Behold, I have put my words in your mouth)

84 (O Lord of hosts, happy are they who put their trust in you)
119.33–40 (Teach me, O Lord, the way of your statutes)

2 Corinthians 4.1–10 (Having this ministry by the mercy of God, we do not
lose heart)
Philippians 4.4–9 (Rejoice in the Lord always)
Gospel Readings
Mark 10.35–45 (Whoever would be great among you must be your servant)
Luke 12.35–38 (Blessed are those servants whom the master finds awake
when he comes)
660 Ordination
Ordination Litany
Form A
God the Father,
Have mercy on us.
God the Son,
Have mercy on us.
Have mercy on us.
Holy Trinity, one God,
Have mercy on us.
We pray to you, Lord Christ.
For the holy Church of God, that it may be filled with truth and
love, and be found without fault at the day of your coming, we
pray to you, O Lord.
For all members of your Church in their vocation and ministry,
that they may serve you in a true and godly life,
we pray to you, O Lord.
For N, our archbishop/bishop, and for all bishops, priests, and
deacons, that they may be filled with your love, may hunger
for truth, and may thirst after righteousness, we pray to you,
O Lord.
For N, chosen (bishop/priest/deacon) in your Church, we pray to
you, O Lord.
That he/she may faithfully fulfil the duties of this ministry,
build up your Church, and glorify your name, we pray to
you, O Lord.
Ordination 661
That by the indwelling of the Holy Spirit he/she may be
sustained and encouraged to persevere to the end, we pray
to you, O Lord.
For all who fear God and believe in you, Lord Christ, that our
divisions may cease and that all may be one as you and the
Father are one, we pray to you, O Lord.
For the mission of the Church, that in faithful witness it may
preach the gospel to the ends of the earth, we pray to you,
O Lord.
Lord hear our prayer.
For those who do not yet believe, and for those who have lost
their faith, that they may receive the light of the gospel, we
pray to you, O Lord.
For ourselves: for the forgiveness of our sins, and for the grace
of the Holy Spirit to amend our lives, we pray to you, O Lord.
For all who have died in the communion of the Church, and
those whose faith is known to you alone, that, with all the
saints, they may have rest in that place where there is no pain
or grief, but life eternal, we pray to you, O Lord.
Rejoicing in the fellowship of [the ever-blessed Virgin Mary,
(blessed N) and] all the saints, let us commend ourselves, and
one another, and all our life to Christ our God.
To you, O Lord.
The bishop prays,
Almighty and eternal God, ruler of all things in heaven and
earth, mercifully accept the prayers of your people, and
strengthen us to do your will; through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Amen.
662 Ordination
Form B
God the Father,
Have mercy on us.
God the Son,
Have mercy on us.
Have mercy on us.
Holy, blessed, and glorious Trinity,
Have mercy on us.
From all evil and mischief; from pride, vanity, and hypocrisy;
from envy, hatred, and malice; and from all evil intent,
From sloth, worldliness, and love of money; from hardness of
heart and contempt for your word and your laws,
From sins of body and mind; from the deceits of the world, the
flesh, and the devil,
In all times of sorrow, in all times of joy; in the hour of death,
and at the day of judgement,
Govern and direct your holy Church; fill it with love and truth;
and grant it that unity which is your will.
Hear us, good Lord.
Give us boldness to preach the gospel in all the world, and to
make disciples of all the nations.
Hear us, good Lord.
Enlighten your ministers with knowledge and understanding,
that by their teaching and their lives they may proclaim your
word.
Hear us, good Lord.
Ordination 663
Bless your servant now to be made (bishop/priest/deacon), that
he/she may serve your Church and reveal your glory in the
world.
Hear us, good Lord.
Give your people grace to hear and receive your word, and to
bring forth the fruit of the Spirit.
Hear us, good Lord.
Bring into the way of truth all who have erred and are
deceived.
Hear us, good Lord.
Strengthen those who stand; comfort and help the
fainthearted; raise up the fallen; and finally beat down Satan
under our feet.
Hear us, good Lord.
Give us true repentance; forgive our sins of negligence and
ignorance, and our deliberate sins; and grant us the grace of
your Holy Spirit, to amend our lives according to your
holy word.
Holy God,
holy and mighty,
holy and immortal one,
have mercy upon us.
The bishop prays,
Almighty God, you have promised to hear those who pray in
the name of your Son. Grant that what we have asked in faith
we may obtain according to your will; through Jesus Christ our
Lord. Amen.
664 Ordination
Ordination Hymns
The following translations of Veni Creator Spiritus and Veni Sancte
Spiritus are suitable.
A Veni Creator Spiritus
1 “O Holy Spirit, by whose breath.” Tr. John Webster Grant
The Hymn Book of the Anglican Church of Canada and the United Church of
Canada, No. 246 (Modern-language version).
2 “Creator Spirit, Lord of grace.” Tr. James Quinn. New

Hymns for all Seasons, No. 75 (Modern-language version).
3 “Come Holy Ghost, Creator blest.” Tr. Edward Caswall and others. Catholic
Book of Worship, No. 277b (Modern-language version).
4 “Come Holy Ghost, Creator blest.” Tr. Edward Caswall, Richard Mant, and
Robert Campbell. The Book of Common Praise, No. 477 (Traditional original
of the preceding version).
5 “Come, O Creator Spirit, come.” Tr. Robert Bridges. The English Hymnal,
No. 154 (Traditional version).
B Veni Sancte Spiritus

1 “Holy Spirit, font of light.” Tr. John Webster Grant. The Hymn Book of the
Anglican Church of Canada and the United Church of Canada, No. 248 (Modern-
language version).
2 “Holy Spirit, God of light.” Tr. A.G.P. New Catholic Hymnal, No. 93
(Modern-language version).
3 “Come, thou Holy Spirit, come.” Tr. Edward Caswall. The Book of Common
Praise, No. 481 (Traditional version).
4 “Come, thou holy Paraclete.” Tr. John Mason Neale. The English Hymnal,
No. 155 (Traditional version).
Other translations may be used at the discretion of the ordaining

archbishop or bishop. Many hymns in a traditional idiom will
continue to be used in these ordination rites, as well as in other
modern-language services. The above list includes good (and readily
accessible) traditional versions.
Either Veni Creator Spiritus or Veni Sancte Spiritus is to be sung at the
appointed place in all ordinations. Other hymns to the Holy Spirit,
Ordination 665
while appropriate for use elsewhere in services of ordination, are not
to be substituted for these historic expressions of Christian devotion.
Further Directions
A candidate for ordination may be vested in an alb or surplice (or, in
the case of a bishop-elect, a rochet), as the ordaining archbishop or
bishop shall direct. If stoles are used, a stole is placed over the left
shoulder of a newly ordained deacon, and over both shoulders of a
newly ordained priest. If desired, the newly ordained may be vested
in the full eucharistic vestments proper to their respective orders.
According to the rubrics, the ordination eucharist is to be
concelebrated. In such celebrations of the eucharist, other bishops and
presbyters stand at the Lord’s Table with the presiding celebrant. It is
fitting for them to express their participation by suitable gestures—for
example, by extending their right hands over the elements being
consecrated. They may also say appropriate portions of the Great
Thanksgiving with the presiding celebrant.
Newly ordained deacons should take part in the administration of
communion. They may administer either the bread or the wine. One
of the new deacons should dismiss the congregation after the bishop’s
blessing.
If convenient, the family and friends of the newly ordained may
fittingly bring the eucharistic elements to the altar at the offertory. It is
appropriate for the family of the newly ordained to receive Holy
Communion before the other members of the congregation.
The congregation must always be given an opportunity to
communicate at an ordination eucharist. The adminstration may take
place at several conveniently separated places in the Church.
If two or more priests or deacons are ordained together, they should
have their own presenters. The ordinands may be presented together,
or in succession, as the bishop shall direct. The ordinands are to be
examined together.
At the imposition of hands in the ordination of a bishop or priest, care
should be taken to avoid unseemly crowding around the ordinand. It
is appropriate for those bishops or presbyters who cannot reach
conveniently to extend their right hands toward the ordinand.
666 Ordination
Parish Thanksgiving
and Prayers
Thanksgiving on the
Anniversary of a Parish
or on the Feast of Dedication
This service may also be used as a thanksgiving on becoming free of debt.

be with you all.

Then may follow an act of praise.

At the principal service on a Sunday or other feast, the prayers, readings, and
preface are normally those of the day. If the propers are inappropriate, the
following prayer may be used, a selection may be made from the list of
readings on p. 674, and the Prayer over the Gifts, the Preface, and the Prayer
after Communion on p. 673 may be used.
The celebrant says, Let us pray. The community may pray silently.
The celebrant sings or says either the Collect of the Day or the following:
Almighty God,
watchful and caring,
our source and our end,
all that we are and all that we have are yours.
668 Parish Thanksgiving

Accept us now,
as we give thanks to you for this place
where we have come to praise your name,
to ask your forgiveness,
to know your healing power,
to hear your word,
and to be nourished by the body and blood of your Son.
Be present always to guide and to judge,
to illumine and to bless your people.
This we pray in the name of Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
The celebrant and attendants proceed to the font. Psalms 42 and 43, or a
hymn, may be sung.
At the Font
When the procession has arrived at the font, the celebrant says,
Let us give thanks to the Lord our God.
All It is right to give our thanks and praise.
The celebrant says,
We thank you, Almighty God, for the gift of water. Over water
the Holy Spirit moved in the beginning of creation. Through
water you led the children of Israel out of their bondage in
Egypt into the land of promise. In water your Son Jesus
received the baptism of John and was anointed by the Holy
Spirit as the Messiah, the Christ, to lead us, through his death
and resurrection, from the bondage of sin into everlasting life.
We thank you, Father, for the water of baptism. In it we are
buried with Christ in his death. By it we share in his
resurrection. Through it we are reborn by the Holy Spirit.
Therefore in joyful obedience to your Son, we celebrate our
fellowship in him in faith.
We pray that all who here pass through the water of baptism
may continue for ever in the risen life of Jesus Christ our
Saviour.
To him, to you, and to the Holy Spirit, be all honour and glory,
Parish Thanksgiving 669

The celebrant and attendants proceed to the lectern. Portions of Psalm 119,
89–112, or a hymn, may be sung.
At the Lectern
The celebrant says,
Almighty God, your eternal Word speaks to us through the
words of holy scripture. Here we have read of your mighty acts
and purposes in history, and here we have learned about those
whom you have chosen to be agents of your will. Inspired by
the revelation of your Son, we seek your present purposes.
Give us ears to hear and hearts to obey. This we ask through
The Readings



according to . . .
At the Pulpit
The following prayer is said at the pulpit before the sermon, while the
congregation remains standing.
Almighty God, we have heard your words to us in holy
scripture, and know your call to each of us. In every age you
have spoken through the voices of prophets, pastors, and
teachers. We give you thanks that over the years we have
heard you speak to us through the preaching of your word in
this place. Grant that those who preach in this place may
proclaim the crucified and risen Christ and interpret your word
with sensitivity and insight, that we may hear that word
inwardly and respond to it in all our life. This we ask in the
name of Jesus Christ, your living Word. Amen.
The Sermon

A deacon or a lay person leads the following litany.
For the Church universal, of which these buildings are a visible
symbol,
We thank you, Lord.
For your presence whenever two or three have gathered in
your name,
We thank you, Lord.

For this place where we may be still and know that you are God,
We thank you, Lord.
For the fulfilling of our desires and petitions as you see best for
us,
We thank you, Lord.
For our past and a vision of the future that lies ahead,
We thank you, Lord.
For the gift of the Holy Spirit and new life in baptism,
We thank you, Lord.
For the pardon of our sins when we have fallen short of your
glory,
We thank you, Lord.
For the holy eucharist in which we have a foretaste of your
eternal kingdom,
We thank you, Lord.
For the blessing of our vows and the crowning of our years
with your goodness,
We thank you, Lord.
For the faith of those who have gone before us and for our
encouragement by their perseverance,
We thank you, Lord.
For all the benefactors of this place who have died in the peace
of Christ and are at rest (especially N),
We thank you, Lord.
For the fellowship of all your saints, and especially for N, our
patron,
We thank you, Lord.
After a period of silence the litany is concluded with the following prayer.
O God, from living and chosen stones you prepare an
everlasting dwelling place for your majesty. Grant that in the
power of the Holy Spirit those who serve you here may always
be kept within your presence. This we pray through Jesus

Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy
Spirit, one God, now and ever. Amen.
The service continues with the Peace and the Preparation of the Gifts (p. 192).
Father, hear the prayers of your faithful people.
Grant that all who celebrate this eucharist
may please you by the offering of themselves
and the fulfilling of your will.
This we ask in the name of Jesus Christ the Lord. Amen.
Proper Preface
heaven itself cannot contain you
and your glory fills all the world.
You accept our setting apart of places for your worship
and in them pour out your gifts of grace
upon your faithful people.
This table is a sign to us of the heavenly altar,
where your saints and angels praise you.
Here we have recalled the sacrifice of your Son;
here we have been fed with the body and blood of your Son;
here our sins have been forgiven;
here we have tasted the joys of your eternal kingdom.
Grant that in these mysteries
we may be united with one another
and strengthened for service in your world.
and those who worship you in every age,
we raise our voices in joyful praise
Father, you have given us this time of joy
and have nourished us in heavenly things.
Grant that we may show in our lives the love of Christ
who is our God and Saviour. Amen.

Readings and Psalms Suitable for the
Anniversary of a Parish
Genesis 28.10–17 (How awesome is this place! This is none other than the
house of God)
1 Kings 8.22–30 (That thy eyes may be open night and day toward this
house)
1 Chronicles 29.6–19 (All things come from thee, and of thy own have we
given thee)

84 (My soul has a desire and longing for the courts of the Lord)
122 (Peace be within your walls and quietness within your towers)

1 Peter 2.1–5, 9–10 (Like living stones be yourselves built into a spiritual
house)
Revelation 21.1–4, 22—22.5 (Its temple is the Lord God the Almighty and
the Lamb)
Gospel Readings
Matthew 21.12–16 (My house shall be called a house of prayer)
John 20.19–21 (Jesus came and stood among them)

Occasional Prayers
1 For the Unity of Christians
2 For the Mission of the Church
3 At a Time of Election or Appointment in the Church
4 For a Synod
5 For the Ministry of the Church
6 For Peace
7 For the Commonwealth
8 For the Queen
9 For the Royal Family
10 For the Nation
11 For Responsible Citizenship or for an Election
12 For Courts of Justice
13 For the Armed Forces
14 For the Oppressed in this Land
15 For Good Use of Leisure
16 For Educational Institutions
17 For Industry and Commerce
18 For Fisheries
19 For Agriculture
20 For the Unemployed
21 For the Neighbourhood
22 For the Poor and Neglected
23 For Our Enemies
24 For Prisons and Correctional Institutions
25 For Those Who Suffer for the Sake of Conscience
26 For Those in Affliction
27 For Those in Mental Distress
28 For Those Suffering from Addiction
29 For the Aged
30 For Those Who Travel
31 A Prayer of Christian Life
32 A General Intercession
33 Blessings

1 For the Unity of Christians
Lord Jesus Christ, you said to your apostles, “Peace I give to
you; my own peace I leave with you.” Regard not our sins, but
the faith of your Church, and give to us the peace and unity of
that heavenly city, where with the Father and the Holy Spirit
you live and reign, now and forever.
2 For the Mission of the Church
Draw your Church together, O Lord, into one great company
of disciples, together following our Lord Jesus Christ into every
walk of life, together serving him in his mission to the world,
and together witnessing to his love on every continent and
island. We ask this in his name and for his sake.
3 At a Time of Election or Appointment in the Church
Almighty God, giver of all good gifts, look on your Church
with grace, and guide the minds of those who shall choose a
. . . for this . . ., that we may receive a faithful servant who will
care for your people and support us in our ministries; through
4 For a Synod
Almighty and everliving God, source of all wisdom and
understanding, be present with those who take counsel
(in . . .) for the renewal and mission of your Church. Teach us
in all things to seek first your honour and glory. Guide us to
perceive what is right, and grant us both the courage to pursue
it and the grace to accomplish it; through Jesus Christ our Lord.
5 For the Ministry of the Church
i For all Christians in their vocation
Almighty and everlasting God, by whose Spirit the whole body
of your faithful people is governed and sanctified, receive our
supplications and prayers, which we offer before you for all
members of your holy Church, that in their vocation and
ministry they may truly and devoutly serve you; through our
Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, who lives and reigns with you,
in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever.
676 Occasional Prayers

ii For the choice of suitable persons for the ordained ministry
O God, you led your holy apostles to ordain ministers in every
place. Grant that your Church, under the guidance of the Holy
Spirit, may choose suitable persons for the ministry of word
and sacrament, and may uphold them in their work for the
extension of your kingdom; through him who is the shepherd
and bishop of our souls, Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and
reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever.
iii For those to be ordained
Almighty God, the giver of all good gifts, in your divine
providence you have appointed various orders in your Church.
Give your grace, we humbly pray, to all who are (now) called to
any office and ministry for your people; and so fill them with
the truth of your doctrine and clothe them with holiness of life,
that they may faithfully serve before you, to the glory of your
great name and for the benefit of your holy Church; through
Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you, in the
unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.
6 For Peace
O God, it is your will to hold both heaven and earth in a single
peace. Let the design of your great love shine on the waste of
our wraths and sorrows, and give peace to your Church, peace
among nations, peace in our homes, and peace in our hearts;
7 For the Commonwealth
God of all, by your providence we are bound with many
peoples in the fellowship of a commonwealth of nations. Give
us, we pray, such unity as may enable us to promote the peace
of your creation and the glory of its creator; in the name of
Jesus Christ, the Prince of Peace.
8 For the Queen
Almighty God, fountain of all goodness, bless our Sovereign
Lady, Queen Elizabeth, and all who are in authority under her;
that they may order all things in wisdom and equity,
righteousness and peace, to the honour of your name, and the
good of your Church and people; through Jesus Christ our Lord.
9 For the Royal Family
Almighty God, the fountain of all goodness, bless, we pray,
our Sovereign Lady, Queen Elizabeth, († . . .), and all the
Royal Family. Endue them with your Holy Spirit; enrich them
with your heavenly grace, prosper them with all happiness;
and bring them to your everlasting kingdom; through Jesus
Christ our Lord.
10 For the Nation
Almighty God, you have given us this good land as our
heritage. May we prove ourselves a people mindful of your
generosity and glad to do your will. Bless our land with honest
industry, truthful education, and an honourable way of life.
Save us from violence, discord, and confusion; from pride and
arrogance; and from every evil course of action. Make us who
came from many nations with many different languages a
united people. Defend our liberties and give those whom we
have entrusted with the authority of government the spirit of
wisdom, that there may be justice and peace in our land. When
times are prosperous, let our hearts be thankful; and, in
troubled times, do not let our trust in you fail. We ask this
11 For Responsible Citizenship or for an Election
Lord, keep this nation under your care. Bless the leaders of our
land, that we may be a people at peace among ourselves and a
blessing to other nations of the earth. Help us elect trustworthy
leaders, contribute to wise decisions for the general welfare,
and thus serve you faithfully in our generation to the honour of
your holy name; through Jesus Christ our Lord.
† Here shall be named, as determined by authority from time to time, the

several members of the Royal Family.

12 For Courts of Justice
Almighty God, creator, judge, and redeemer of all: we pray
you to bless the courts of justice and the magistrates in all this
land, and give them the spirit of wisdom and understanding,
that they may discern the truth, and impartially administer the
law in reverence of you alone; through him who shall come to
be our judge, your Son our Saviour Jesus Christ.
13 For the Armed Forces
Almighty God, we commend to your gracious care and keeping
all the men and women of our armed forces at home and
abroad. Defend them day by day with your heavenly grace;
strengthen them in their trials and temptations; give them
courage to face the perils which beset them; and grant them a
sense of your abiding presence wherever they may be; through
14 For the Oppressed in this Land
Look with pity, O heavenly Father, upon those in this land
who live with injustice, terror, disease, and death as their
constant companions. Have mercy upon us and help us to
eliminate cruelty wherever it is found. Strengthen those who
seek equality for all. Grant that every one of us may enjoy a fair
portion of the abundance of this land; through your Son Jesus
Christ our Lord.
15 For Good Use of Leisure
O God, in the course of this busy life give us times of
refreshment and peace; and grant that we may so use our
leisure to rebuild our bodies and renew our minds, that our
spirits may be opened to the goodness of your creation;
16 For Educational Institutions
O Eternal God, bless all schools, colleges, and universities
(especially . . . ), that they may be lively centres for sound
learning, new discovery, and the pursuit of wisdom; and grant
that those who teach and those who learn may find you to be
the source of all truth; through Jesus Christ our Lord.

17 For Industry and Commerce
Almighty God, your Son Jesus Christ dignified our labour by
sharing our toil. Be with your people where they work; make
those who carry on the industries and commerce of this land
responsive to your will; and to all of us, give pride in what we
do and a just return for our labour; through your Son Jesus
Christ our Lord.
18 For Fisheries
Holy God, creator of the universe, you have given the seas and
the life they contain for the use and benefit of all. Protect our
fishermen during this fishing season, and give them a bountiful
catch. We ask your help through our Lord Jesus Christ, your
Son, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever.
19 For Agriculture
Almighty God, we thank you for making the fruitful earth
produce what is needed for life. Bless those who work in the
fields; give us favourable weather; and grant that all may share
the fruits of the earth, rejoicing in your goodness; through your
Son Jesus Christ our Lord.
See also prayers for Rogation and Harvest Thanksgiving, pp. 396–397.
20 For the Unemployed
Heavenly Father, we remember before you those who suffer
want and anxiety from lack of work. Guide the people of this
land so to use their wealth and resources that everyone may
find suitable and fulfilling employment and receive just
payment for their labour; through your Son Jesus Christ our Lord.
21 For the Neighbourhood
O Lord our creator, by your holy prophet you taught your
ancient people to seek the welfare of the cities in which they
lived. We commend our neighbourhood to your care, that it
might be kept free from social strife and decay. Give us
strength of purpose and concern for others, that we may create
here a community of justice and peace where your will may be
done; through your Son Jesus Christ our Lord.

22 For the Poor and Neglected
Almighty and most merciful God, we remember before you the
homeless, the destitute, the sick, the aged, and all who have
none to care for them. Heal those who are broken in body or
spirit, and turn their sorrow into joy. Grant this for the love of
your Son, who for our sake became poor, Jesus Christ our
Lord.
23 For Our Enemies
O God, the Lord of all, your Son commanded us to love our
enemies and to pray for them. Lead us from prejudice to truth;
deliver us from hatred, cruelty, and revenge; and enable us to
stand before you, reconciled through your Son Jesus Christ our
Lord.
24 For Prisons and Correctional Institutions
Gracious God, help us to be obedient to your command to love
and serve you in all people. Make us conscious of your loving
presence everywhere, and especially with those in prison.
Comfort the prisoners in their loneliness and uphold their
families during separation. Remember those who work in our
justice system, that they may perform their duties in a spirit of
fairness and patience. Bring us to a closer relationship with our
sisters and brothers who as prisoners and staff share with us
the joy of your release from human bondage. We ask this in the
name of Jesus Christ the Lord.
25 For Those Who Suffer for the Sake of Conscience
God of love and strength, your Son forgave his enemies even
while he was suffering shame and death. Strengthen those
who suffer for the sake of conscience. When they are accused,
save them from speaking in hate; when they are rejected, save
them from bitterness; when they are imprisoned, save them
from despair. Give us grace to discern the truth, that our
society may be cleansed and strengthened. This we ask for the
sake of our merciful and righteous judge, Jesus Christ our
Lord.

26 For Those in Affliction
Almighty and everlasting God, the comfort of the sad and the
strength of those who suffer, hear the prayers of your people
who are in any trouble. Grant to everyone in distress mercy,
relief, and refreshment; through Jesus Christ our Lord.
27 For Those in Mental Distress
Heavenly Father, have mercy on all your children who live in
mental distress. Restore them to strength of mind and
cheerfulness of spirit, and give them health and peace; through
28 For Those Suffering from Addiction
O blessed Jesus, you ministered to all who came to you. Look
with compassion upon all who through addiction have lost
their health and freedom. Restore to them the assurance of
your unfailing mercy; remove the fears that attack them;
strengthen them in the work of their recovery; and to those
who care for them, give patient understanding and persevering
love; for your mercy’s sake.
29 For the Aged
O Lord God, look with mercy on all whose increasing years
bring them isolation, distress, or weakness. Provide for them
homes of dignity and peace; give them understanding helpers
and the willingness to accept help; and, as their strength
diminishes, increase their faith and their assurance of your
love. We pray in the name of Jesus Christ our Lord.
30 For Those Who Travel
God whose glory fills the whole creation, and whose presence
we find wherever we go, preserve those who travel (in
particular . . . ); surround them with your loving care; protect
them from every danger; and bring them in safety to their
journey’s end; through Jesus Christ our Lord.
31 A Prayer of Christian Life
Lord, make us instruments of your peace. Where there is
hatred, let us sow love; where there is injury, pardon; where

there is discord, union; where there is doubt, faith; where there
is despair, hope; where there is darkness, light; where there is
sadness, joy. Grant that we may not so much seek to be
consoled as to console; to be understood as to understand; to
be loved as to love. For it is in giving that we receive; it is in
pardoning that we are pardoned; and it is in dying that we are
born to eternal life.
32 A General Intercession
Remember, Lord, your people bowed before you, and those
who are absent through age, sickness, or any other cause. Care
for the infants, guide the young, support the aged, inspire the
faint-hearted, and bring the wandering to your fold. Journey
with the travellers, encourage the oppressed, defend the
widows, deliver the captives, heal the sick. Strengthen all who
are in tribulation, necessity, or distress. Remember for good
those who love us, and those who hate us, and those who have
asked us, unworthy as we are, to pray for them. Remember
especially, Lord, those whom we have forgotten. For you are
the helper of the helpless, the saviour of the lost, the refuge of
the wanderer, the healer of the sick. You know the need of all
and have heard each prayer: save us in your merciful loving-
kindness and eternal love; through Jesus Christ our Lord.
33 Blessings
i The Lord bless you and keep you. The Lord make his face
shine on you and be gracious to you. The Lord look upon you
with favour and grant you peace.
ii The peace of God which passes all understanding keep your
hearts and minds in the knowledge and love of God, and of his
Son Jesus Christ our Lord; and the blessing of God almighty,
the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, be among you and
remain with you always.
Advent
Be steadfast in faith, joyful in hope, and untiring in love all the
days of your life; and the blessing of God almighty, the Father,
the Son, and the Holy Spirit, be among you and remain with
you always.

Incarnation
May the God of infinite goodness scatter the darkness of sin
and brighten your hearts with holiness; and the blessing of
God almighty, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, be
among you and remain with you always.
Lent
May the God of mercy transform you by his grace, and the
blessing of God almighty, the Father, the Son, and the Holy
Spirit, be among you and remain with you always.
Easter
May the God of peace who brought again from the dead our
Lord Jesus, the great shepherd of the sheep, by the blood of the
eternal covenant, equip you with everything good that you
may do his will, working in you that which is pleasing in his
sight, through Jesus Christ; to whom be glory for ever and
ever.

Home Prayers
Christian households should consider a regular pattern of worship
and celebration in the home. An individual who lives alone, a family
group, friends or Christians in an institutional setting may develop
their own particular style of prayer. It is impossible to offer one form
of worship which will meet all needs. Indeed, it is not desirable to do
so, for each community is shaped by God in a unique way. Home
Prayers suggests a pattern which may be adapted quite freely:
preparation— a gathering of the community around a theme
praise— music, psalms, poetry
readings and study of scripture
intercession
the Lord’s Prayer
conclusion.
The Divine Office also follows this pattern and may be adapted for use
by families.
Each community will find an appropriate time for devotions. For
some, this may only be on special occasions; for others, a regular daily
or weekly event.
There are occasions in the lives of families and communities when
special prayers are appropriate: meals, bedtime, family festivals such
as birthdays, anniversaries and reunions, and times of mourning.
Suitable prayers will be found in the Occasional Prayers section
(p.675).
The following form for Home Prayers, although designed for use in
the context of the evening meal, may be used at any time. Alternate
sentences and prayers are provided for morning and day-time use.
The service may be adapted as needed.
Home Prayers 685

The Preparation may be used as a separate devotion, or the service may be
used at other times of the day without the Preparation.
The service is most appropriately held in a place where it is usual for the
whole group to gather, e.g. the dining area. Seasonal symbols may be put in
an appropriate place.
Advent—the Advent wreath may be placed on the table. One candle is lit
in the first week of Advent. An additional candle is lit each week until
Christmas Day.
Christmas Seasonal—a crèche may be arranged on the table. The Christmas
candle is lit.
Epiphany—the wreath is removed but the Christmas candle remains. The
wise men may be placed in the crèche.
Lent—there is no candle. A plain cross may be placed on the table. If mite
boxes are being used, it is appropriate to place them on the table.
Holy Week—branches of palm trees or other trees may be placed around
the cross.
Easter Season—on Easter Eve or Morning a new white candle may be
placed on the table. It may be decorated, and may be surrounded by a small
garden scene, flowers and/or eggs.
Pentecost—one or more candles are lit.
Saints’ Days—the table may be decorated with symbols of the saints who
are being commemorated.
A seasonal affirmation may be used during a special season in the church year
(pp. 687–689).
In choosing psalms and scripture passages, the lectionary may be used. If the
group has already heard the readings for the day, those from another cycle
may be used. A book of the Bible may be read sequentially.
Music may be used before or during the service.
Individuals may lead different parts of the service.
686 Home Prayers

Home Prayers
A Form of Prayer for Groups or Families

1 The Preparation
The candle or candles on the table or in the worship area may be lit. The one
who lights them says one of the following:
Leader God is our light and our salvation, and in his name
we light these candles. May they remind us of the
beauty of his truth and the radiance of his love. May
our hearts be open to the light of Christ now and at
all times.
All Lord, in your mercy, let there be light.
Or
Leader O God, you command a light to shine out of
darkness. Shine in our hearts that we may be as
lights in the world reflecting the glory of Jesus in
our lives.
All God is light and in him is no darkness.
Advent
Leader Jesus said, “I am the light of the world. Those
who follow me will not walk in darkness, but will
have the light of life.”
All Come, Lord Jesus, come quickly.
Leader Source of all light, send your Son Jesus Christ to
shine in our dark world. Help us to prepare our
hearts to receive him who lives and reigns with you
and the Holy Spirit, now and for ever. Amen.
Christmas Season
Leader Unto us a child is born.
All Unto us a Son is given.
Home Prayers 687

Leader O God, your love was so great for us that you gave
us your Son to shine out in our darkness. Help us to
make that love known to all the world, through
Epiphany
Leader Arise, shine, for our light has come.
All And the glory of the Lord has dawned upon us.
Leader Eternal God, who by a star led wise men to the
worship of your Son. Guide by your light the
nations of the earth, that the whole world may
know your glory; through Jesus Christ our Lord,
Lent
Leader Jesus said, “And if I am lifted up, I will draw
the whole world to myself.”
All We will take up our cross and follow him.
Leader We adore you, O Christ, and we bless you,
All Because by your holy cross you have redeemed the
world.
Leader Almighty God, by the suffering of your Son you
have brought hope to the whole world. Help us in
our trials and be the strength of our human
weakness, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Holy Week
Leader Hosanna to the Son of David.
All Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord.
Leader Father, your Son Jesus humbled himself and
accepted death on a cross for us. Help us to walk
with him to Calvary and to bring your love to all
who suffer, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
688 Home Prayers

Easter Season
Leader May the light of Christ in glory rising scatter the
darkness of heart and mind. Alleluia! Christ is
risen.
All The Lord is risen indeed. Alleluia!
Leader O God, the source of light and life, by the
resurrection of your only Son you have led us out of
darkness into your marvellous light, from death
into life, from slavery into freedom. Bring the light
of your new creation to us and to our world,
through Jesus Christ our Lord, who is alive and
reigns with you and the Holy Spirit for ever. Amen.
Pentecost
Leader Come, Holy Spirit, and renew the face of the
earth.
All Come, Holy Spirit, and kindle in our hearts the
fire of your love.
Leader God of love, of your goodness set us aflame with
that fire of the Spirit which Christ brought upon the
earth and longs to see blazing throughout the
world, through him who lives and reigns with you
and the Spirit now and for ever. Amen.
Saints’ Days
Leader The saints are your witnesses to the ends of the
earth.
All And lights of the world in their generations.
Leader Almighty God, by your grace your servant N, was
kindled with the fires of your love and became a
shining light in your Church. Inflame us with the
same spirit of discipline and love, that we may
always walk before you as children of light, through
Home Prayers 689

This hymn may be sung. Tune: Tallis’s Canon
O gracious Light, Lord Jesus Christ,
in you the Father’s glory shone.
Immortal, holy, blest is he,
and blest are you, his holy Son.
Now sunset comes, but light shines forth,
the lamps are lit to pierce the night.
Praise Father, Son, and Spirit: God
who dwells in the eternal light.
Worthy are you of endless praise,
O Son of God, Life-giving Lord;
wherefore you are through all the earth
and in the highest heaven adored.
The Collect of the Day may be said.
2 The Meal if desired

For forms of grace before and after meals, see pp. 694–695.
3 Praise
Here may follow a psalm, hymn, song, or instrumental music.
4 Readings
One or more passages of scripture may be read.
5 Response
Any of the following may follow the readings: silence, discussion of the
scripture passage or theme of the day, reading of a related work of literature,
telling of a related story, study of special material from the parish, diocese, or
national Church, discussion of family concerns in the light of scripture or the
theme of the day.
6 Intercession
Prayer may be offered for the Church, the Queen and all in authority, the
world, the special needs of the group, those in need, and the departed. The
following litany may be used, or a seasonal litany (pp. 119–123), or any
prayers from the Occasional Prayers (p. 675); or individuals may offer their
own prayers, silently or aloud.
690 Home Prayers

Leader Let us pray together to the Lord, saying, “Lord,
hear our prayer.”
All Lord, hear our prayer.
Leader Loving God, we thank you for your many gifts to
us, for the love which brings us together, for the
earth which provides for our needs, for the new life
you have given us in Jesus Christ, (for . . . ).
Leader We pray to you for our Christian family (especially
for . . . ) and for grace to grow in your love.
Leader We pray to you for our world, for all its cares and
needs, and for all who lead us and care for us,
(especially . . . )
Leader We pray to you for those in need, for the sick and
the lonely, for the hurt and the frightened, and for
those who live without hope (especially . . . ).
Leader We pray for those we love who have died, that you
will surround them with your care and love
(especially . . . )
Leader We pray for one another, asking you to bless us,
our friends, and relatives. Bless the places where
we work, and bless our home and our life together.
Members of the home may wish to share in personal prayer. Then may be
said,
Leader Let us remember before God our selfish ways, the
things we have done wrong, the sorrows we have
caused, the love we have not shown.
Home Prayers 691

Silence for reflection is kept.
All Most merciful Father,
forgive us our sins against you
and against each other.
Strengthen us to overcome our weaknesses,
that we may live in love
as you would have us live,
for the sake of Jesus Christ our Saviour. Amen.
One of the following prayers may be said.

Evening The Lord almighty grant us a quiet night and peace
at the last. Amen.
Or Be our light in the darkness, O Lord, and in your
great mercy defend us from all perils and dangers of
this night; for the love of your only Son, our Saviour
Jesus Christ. Amen.
Or Remain with us, Lord, for the day is far spent and
evening is at hand. Kindle our hearts on our way
that we may recognize you in the scriptures and the
breaking of bread. Grant this for the sake of your
love. Amen.
Morning Fill our hearts, O God, with your Holy Spirit that
we may go forth this day in peace and joy, serving
you eagerly in all we do, for Jesus’ sake. Amen.
Other prayers for morning and evening may be found on pp. 130 to 132.
7 The Lord’s Prayer
Leader As our Saviour taught us, let us pray,
your kingdom come,
your will be done,
692 Home Prayers

Forgive us our sins
now and forever. Amen.
Or
Leader And now, as our Saviour Christ has taught us,
we are bold to say,
thy kingdom come,
thy will be done,
8 Conclusion
One of the following may be said.
The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of
God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with
us all evermore. Amen.
Or Grace to you and peace from God our Father and
the Lord Jesus Christ.
Or Jesus said, “I am the light of the world; whoever
follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have
the light of life.”
Home Prayers 693

Grace at Meals
1 Blessed are you, Lord our God, ruler of the universe; you
give us food from the earth. Amen.
2 Creator of the universe, you give us this gift of food to
nourish us and give us life. Bless this food that you have
made and human hands have prepared. May it satisfy our
hunger, and in sharing it together may we come closer to
one another. Amen.
3 For what we are about to receive, may the Lord make us
truly thankful, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
4 The eyes of all wait upon you, O Lord,
And you give them their food in due season.
You open wide your hand
And satisfy the needs of every living creature.
Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the
Holy Spirit.
As it was in the beginning, is now, and will be
for ever. Amen.
Bless, O Lord, this food to our use and bless us to your
service, and make us ever mindful of the needs of others;
5 Come, Lord Jesus, be our guest,
and let these gifts to us be blessed. Amen.
6 God is great, God is good,
and we thank him for this food.
By his hand we all are fed;
give us, Lord, our daily bread.
Bless our home with peace and love,
and grant in Christ a home above. Amen.
7 For this our daily food, and for every gift which comes from
you, O God, we bless your holy name (through Jesus Christ
our Lord). Amen.
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8 For these and all our blessings, God’s holy name be praised
(through Jesus Christ our Lord). Amen.
9 All good gifts around us
are sent from heaven above,
then thank the Lord, O thank the Lord,
for all his love.
10 For health and strength and daily food,
we praise your name, O Lord.
11 Lord, may our fellowship be the revelation of your
presence and turn our daily bread into bread of life. Amen.
12 Blessed are you, Lord our God, ruler of the universe;
we have shared of your bounty, and through your
goodness we live. Amen.
Or the Prayer over the Gifts from the propers of the day may be used when
suitable.
On the Anniversary of a Baptism
Blessed are you, Lord God, ruler of the universe; we praise you
for your love and mercy which you have shown to all your
people.
Today we give you thanks and glory as we celebrate the
anniversary of the day when you made N your son/daughter in
baptism.
Give him/her the grace to live in your love, and help this family
to come closer to you by faith, prayer, and example.
All glory is yours, Father, through Jesus your Son in the
communion of your Spirit, now and for ever. Amen.
Home Prayers 695

Additional Home Prayers
1 For a Birthday
God our Father, the birth of your Son Jesus Christ brought
great joy to Mary and Joseph. We give thanks to you for N,
whose birthday we celebrate today. May he/she ever grow in
your faith, hope, and love. We ask this in the name of our Lord
Jesus Christ.
2 For the Blessing of a New Home
Let us ask God to bless our home.
Jesus, King of love, you shared in the life of your earthly home
at Nazareth with Mary and Joseph. Bless, we pray, our new
home and our life here, that we may help each other and those
who visit us to grow more and more in your love. We ask this
in your name and for your sake.
3 For the Anniversary of a Marriage
Gracious God, on this our special day we remember with
thanksgiving our vows of love and commitment to you and to
each other in marriage. We pray for your continued blessing.
May we learn from both our joys and sorrows, and discover
new riches in our life together in you. We ask this in the name
of Jesus Christ our Lord.
4 For a Member Leaving Home
Let us ask God to bless us at this time of separation.
Gracious God, look on us in your love and give us your
blessing. Be with N, as he/she leaves us, and be with those of us
who remain here. You know our feelings at this time. Help us
to remember that we are always united to one another in your
love, made known to us in Jesus Christ our Lord.
696 Home Prayers

5 For Reconciliation in a Home
Let us ask God for his healing peace.
God of peace, forgive us as we forgive each other for all the
hurt we have brought into our lives. Let your healing love rest
upon the wounds we have caused by our anger. Deepen our
love in a new understanding for each other and for you. We ask
this in the name of Jesus Christ who carried on his cross our
discord and our grief.
6 A Thanksgiving
Our Lord God, we thank you for all your blessings,
for life and health,
for laughter and fun,
for all our powers of mind and body,
for our homes and the love of dear ones,
for everything that is beautiful, good and true.
But above all we thank you for giving your Son
to be our Saviour and Friend.
May we always find our true happiness
in pleasing you and helping others
to know and love you,
for Jesus Christ’s sake.
Other Thanksgivings may be found on p. 129.
7 For Home and Family
O God whose desire is that all the peoples of the world should
be one human family, living together in harmony, grant that
our home, by its worship and its witness, may help to hasten
the day when your will is done on earth as it is in heaven.
Home Prayers 697

The Psalter
The Psalter
The Psalter is not only the oldest hymn book of the Church, it is also
the hymn book of ancient Israel as well as the basis of much of the
worship of Jews today. The Psalter is consequently a sign of the
continuity of Christianity with its Jewish origins and of the solidarity
of Christians with their Jewish brothers and sisters in the
contemporary world. The piety of the Psalter transcends the divisions
of the Jewish-Christian faith communities, and overarches their
history.
The origins of the Psalter were liturgical. Even the psalms which
speak in singular voice presuppose a corporate setting and
presentation. They are the voice of a people in the various moments of
its experience of life: moments of aspiration, degradation, ecstasy,
and hope. Those who read the psalms, even in solitude, should be
conscious of the host of voices that accompany them, stretched across
two and a half millenia and more.
From an early date, Christians have attempted to make the Psalter
their own. In Acts 13.30–39, for instance, two psalms (2 and 16) are
used as the basis of a developing Christology. Later Christian piety
attempted to treat all the psalms in this way, as descriptions of Christ,
as prayers to Christ, or as the voice of Christ speaking to his people.
This “Christianizing” of the psalms is not inappropriate and it
continues among Christians to the present day. Many of the psalms
appointed for Fridays in the Daily Office Lectionary are laments and
provide vivid images for reflection on the cross. On the other hand,
the psalms continue to have a life and integrity of their own and their
openness to a particular interpretation does not exclude other
interpretations. Sometimes in the psalms of the exile the reader may
hear primarily the anguish of those who suffered the pains of
imprisonment and isolation from their homeland, and may add to
their complaint the burdens of the present moment. All this may be
subsumed into a theology of the cross without insistence that that
theology function always as the first level of interpretation.
The psalms began as the cry of a people in moments of pain and joy.
They are an intensely human cry. When Christians use the psalms
they do not leave their Christianity behind, but they do not abandon
their humanity either. Christians also experience doubt and anger as
700 Psalter
well as joy and hope and the psalms encourage them to give vent to
that darker side of their humanity. To do so is not to fail in faith or
love but to recognize that faith and love cannot be claimed as mere
palliatives of present pain. Present pain must be owned if life is to be
transformed.
When the Book of Common Prayer of 1962 was published it was an
accepted practice in the Church to delete from the Psalter those
sections which were judged to be too negative and violent. That
practice has not been followed in the translation of the Psalter which
follows. The psalms are all here, much as Jesus found them in Jewish
liturgical tradition. Not every psalm or section of a psalm has been
suggested for public recitation in the various lectionaries in this book,
but they are all here for study, and reflection, and for use when
appropriate.
An early method of appropriating the psalms to Christian worship
was the offering of a “psalm prayer” after a period of reflective silence
at the end of the recitation of the psalm. Psalm prayers have been
attached to the psalms which follow, not as rigid and unvarying
liturgical forms but as suggestions and models for Christian use.
Another Christian device with which contemporary Anglicans are
more familiar is the singing or saying of the short canticle Glory to the
Father at the end of each psalm or collection of psalms. Psalm prayers
and the canticle may be used separately or together.
Matthew and Mark report that the last supper Jesus ate with his
disciples ended with a hymn. We may assume that the hymn was a
psalm. Certainly by the time of Tertullian a psalm was sung between
the readings at the eucharist and by the fifth century a psalm was
sung during the procession at the beginning of the liturgy. The
appearance of psalms as the central core and substance of both the
monastic and cathedral offices in the fourth century suggests that they
were already firmly established in Christian worship. It is true that
Christians had made early attempts at the composition of their own
psalms but the low survival rate of these compositions suggests that
few of the imitations matched the model. (Glory to God and Phos
Hilaron are among the few that survive in widespread liturgical use.)
The psalms, like other hymns, are poems, i.e., they are ceremonial
forms of speech which observe recognized canons of structure and
express themselves in powerful and evocative images through the use
Psalter 701
of metaphor, simile, and other literary constructs. The structural form
of the psalms is based primarily on two devices: parallelism and
stress. Parallelism is apparent even to a casual reader of the psalms,
for they contain a recurring tendency to say things twice, usually in
slightly different ways and often with some expansion of the subject
in the second statement. Thus,
Come, let us sing to the Lord; let us shout for joy to the rock of our
salvation,
is paralleled by
Let us come before his presence with thanksgiving and raise a loud
shout to him with psalms.
The second device, stress, is less apparent, especially in traditional
English translations, although it is not foreign to older forms of the
English language and poetry and has attracted contemporary
attention through the poems of the nineteenth century Jesuit, Gerard
Manley Hopkins. Stress (unlike metre, which is rhythmic) consists
simply in the emphasis of certain predetermined syllables, usually
three or four in number, in each line. A modern English version of a
stressed line written by the fourteenth-century poet Langland might
read,
In a summer season, when soft was the sun.
If the italicized syllables are emphasized or stressed when the line is
read, the ceremonial structure of the poetic form becomes clear. The
pattern of words informs the reader that the telling of the story which
follows is no mere exercise in marketplace gossip but a manifestation
of that artistry of language which, from ancient times, we have called
poetry.
The Hebrew psalms rely heavily on the form of stress, but this
dimension of their poetry has, until recently, been hidden from most
English language readers. The family of Psalters which is found in
various forms in the traditional Prayer Books of the Anglican
Communion is based on Miles Coverdale’s translation which was
used with the first Prayer Book of 1549. This translation, a work of
great beauty and a cornerstone of Anglican piety, did not contain the
device of stress, and a significant element of Hebrew poetry, not
unsusceptible of translation, did not enter Anglican vernacular
tradition. Coverdale’s omission is understandable: he did not
702 Psalter
translate from the Hebrew original but from the Latin Psalter (with
unstressed lines) which was itself a translation from the Greek
Septuagint.
The Psalter which appears in the Book of Common Prayer of the
Episcopal Church (U.S.A.) has been selected as an appendix to the
Book of Alternative Services. It was chosen because of the verbal
accuracy of its translation, because the form is familiar and is highly
suitable for use with both plainsong and Anglican chant, and because
the translators made an earnest (although not always successful)
attempt to use gender-inclusive language whenever possible. This is a
good translation, recognizably Anglican in flavour.
It should, however, be noted that the world of the Psalter is, at the
time of writing, in a very fluid state. Some years ago a translation of
the psalms appeared in French with lines designed for stressed
recitation. Joseph Gelineau adapted traditional modes to provide
appropriate music for this translation of the psalms. This style of
recitation has been made available to the English-speaking world by
the Grail (The Psalms, Fontana Books, London and Glasgow, 1966,
1976). In the meantime, a new translation was prepared in England,
along more traditional lines, at the request of the Liturgical
Commission of the Church of England (The Psalms: A New Translation
for Worship, Collins Liturgical Publications, London, 1977). This
translation, which does not contain stress, was approved for inclusion
in the Alternative Service Book of the Church of England in 1979.
More recently, the International Commission on English in the
Liturgy has initiated a pilot project on a liturgical psalter. Twenty-two
psalms have been translated in forms open to a wide variety of
musical styles and an evaluation will determine if translation of the
rest of the psalter is to be addressed.
A particular translation is attached to this book to provide a basis for
regular use. It also happens to be the translation from which the
psalms are usually quoted throughout the Book of Alternative Services.
But those responsible for planning worship should be free to choose
other translations appropriate to the liturgical needs and abilities of a
congregation. The metric translations of the Reformed tradition
should not be forgotten.
There are many ways to recite the psalms. The psalms may be recited
Psalter 703
in unison, or antiphonally between two sections of a choir, or
antiphonally between a cantor or reader and a congregation, or by a
cantor with congregational refrains. It is possible for a single reader,
or a chorus of readers, to read the verses in spoken voice in
alternation with refrains sung by a congregation. There is room for
innovation here.
It should also be remembered that sung recitation of the psalms is
normative (although not always possible). Traditional Anglican chant
is a demanding legacy of great beauty, as is plainsong. Both are highly
suited to the Office, but not exclusively. Some music, as already
noted, is intended for use with stressed lines: the reciting tone is
usually accompanied by a compatible refrain melody. Some settings of
music for the psalms are “through composed,” like anthems. There is
a wealth of music available, and it is growing.
704 Psalter
The Psalter
Book One
1
1 Happy are they who have not walked in the counsel of
the wicked, *
nor lingered in the way of sinners,
nor sat in the seats of the scornful!
2 Their delight is in the law of the Lord, *
and they meditate on his law day and night.
3 They are like trees planted by streams of water,
bearing fruit in due season, with leaves that do not wither; *
everything they do shall prosper.
4 It is not so with the wicked; *
they are like chaff which the wind blows away.
5 Therefore the wicked shall not stand upright when
judgement comes, *
nor the sinner in the council of the righteous.
6 For the Lord knows the way of the righteous, *
but the way of the wicked is doomed.
Giver of life, save us from the desert of faithlessness and nourish
us with the living water of your word, that we may bring forth
fruit that will last, in the name of Jesus Christ our Saviour.
2
1 Why are the nations in an uproar? *
Why do the peoples mutter empty threats?
2 Why do the kings of the earth rise up in revolt,
and the princes plot together, *
against the Lord and against his anointed?
Psalms 1, 2 705
3 “Let us break their yoke,” they say; *
“let us cast off their bonds from us.”
4 He whose throne is in heaven is laughing; *
the Lord has them in derision.
5 Then he speaks to them in his wrath, *
and his rage fills them with terror.
6 “I myself have set my king *
upon my holy hill of Zion.”
7 Let me announce the decree of the Lord: *
he said to me, “You are my Son;
this day have I begotten you.
8 Ask of me, and I will give you the nations for
your inheritance *
and the ends of the earth for your possession.
9 You shall crush them with an iron rod *
and shatter them like a piece of pottery.”
10 And now, you kings, be wise; *
be warned, you rulers of the earth.
11 Submit to the Lord with fear, *
and with trembling bow before him;
12 Lest he be angry and you perish; *
or his wrath is quickly kindled.
13 Happy are they all *
who take refuge in him!
Ruler of heaven and earth, you sent your only Son into the
world to be our Redeemer, and by raising him from the dead
you gave him the victory over all his enemies. Show us the
power of your saving love and bring us to share in your eternal
kingdom; through Jesus Christ our Saviour.
3
1 Lord, how many adversaries I have! *
how many there are who rise up against me!
706 Psalm 3
2 How many there are who say of me, *
“There is no help for him in his God.”
3 But you, O Lord, are a shield about me; *
you are my glory, the one who lifts up my head.
4 I call aloud upon the Lord, *
and he answers me from his holy hill;
5 I lie down and go to sleep; *
I wake again, because the Lord sustains me.
6 I do not fear the multitudes of people *
who set themselves against me all around.
7 Rise up, O Lord; set me free, O my God; *
surely, you will strike all my enemies across the face,
you will break the teeth of the wicked.
8 Deliverance belongs to the Lord. *
Your blessing be upon your people!
Shield and protector of all, hear the prayers of those who call
upon you, and set them free from violence, persecution, and
fear, that all may know that deliverance belongs to you. We ask
this in the name of Jesus Christ, our Saviour and Redeemer.
4
1 Answer me when I call, O God, defender of my cause; *
you set me free when I am hard-pressed;
have mercy on me and hear my prayer.
2 “You mortals, how long will you dishonour my glory; *
how long will you worship dumb idols
and run after false gods?”
3 Know that the Lord does wonders for the faithful; *
when I call upon the Lord, he will hear me.
4 Tremble, then, and do not sin; *
speak to your heart in silence upon your bed.
5 Offer the appointed sacrifices *
and put your trust in the Lord.
Psalm 4 707
6 Many are saying,
“Oh, that we might see better times!” *
Lift up the light of your countenance upon us, O Lord.
7 You have put gladness in my heart, *
more than when grain and wine and oil increase.
8 I lie down in peace; at once I fall asleep; *
for only you, Lord, make me dwell in safety.
Faithful defender, do not let our hearts be troubled, but fill us
with such confidence and joy that we may sleep in peace and
rise in your light; through Jesus Christ our Saviour.
5
1 Give ear to my words, O Lord; *
consider my meditation.
2 Hearken to my cry for help, my King and my God, *
for I make my prayer to you.
3 In the morning, Lord, you hear my voice; *
early in the morning I make my appeal and watch for you.
4 For you are not a God who takes pleasure in wickedness, *
and evil cannot dwell with you.
5 Braggarts cannot stand in your sight; *
you hate all those who work wickedness.
6 You destroy those who speak lies; *
the bloodthirsty and deceitful, O Lord, you abhor.
7 But as for me, through the greatness of your mercy I will
go into your house; *
I will bow down toward your holy temple in awe of you.
8 Lead me, O Lord, in your righteousness,
because of those who lie in wait for me; *
make your way straight before me.
9 For there is no truth in their mouth; *
there is destruction in their heart;
708 Psalm 5
10 Their throat is an open grave; *
they flatter with their tongue.
11 Declare them guilty, O God; *
let them fall, because of their schemes.
12 Because of their many transgressions cast them out, *
for they have rebelled against you.
13 But all who take refuge in you will be glad; *
they will sing out their joy for ever.
14 You will shelter them, *
so that those who love your name may exult in you.
15 For you, O Lord, will bless the righteous; *
you will defend them with your favour as with a shield.
Source of all justice and goodness, you hate deception and evil.
Lead us in the paths of righteousness and keep us from falling
into sin, that we may sing out our joy in Jesus Christ our
Redeemer.
6
1 Lord, do not rebuke me in your anger; *
do not punish me in your wrath.
2 Have pity on me, Lord, for I am weak; *
heal me, Lord, for my bones are racked.
3 My spirit shakes with terror; *
how long, O Lord, how long?
4 Turn, O Lord, and deliver me; *
save me for your mercy’s sake.
5 For in death no one remembers you; *
and who will give you thanks in the grave?
6 I grow weary because of my groaning; *
every night I drench my bed
and flood my couch with tears.
7 My eyes are wasted with grief *
and worn away because of all my enemies.
Psalm 6 709
8 Depart from me, all evildoers, *
for the Lord has heard the sound of my weeping.
9 The Lord has heard my supplication; *
the Lord accepts my prayer.
10 All my enemies shall be confounded and quake with fear; *
they shall turn back and suddenly be put to shame.
God of mercy and tenderness, giver of life and conqueror of
death, look upon our weakness and grief, and restore us to
health, that we may sing a new song to your praise; through
Jesus Christ our risen Lord.
7
1 Lord my God, I take refuge in you; *
save and deliver me from all who pursue me;
2 Lest like a lion they tear me in pieces *
and snatch me away with none to deliver me.
3 Lord my God, if I have done these things: *
if there is any wickedness in my hands,
4 If I have repaid my friend with evil, *
or plundered him who without cause is my enemy;
5 Then let my enemy pursue and overtake me, *
trample my life into the ground,
and lay my honour in the dust.
6 Stand up, O Lord, in your wrath; *
rise up against the fury of my enemies.
7 Awake, O my God, decree justice; *
let the assembly of the peoples gather round you.
8 Be seated on your lofty throne, O Most High; *
O Lord, judge the nations.
9 Give judgement for me according to my
righteousness, O Lord, *
and according to my innocence, O Most High.
710 Psalm 7
10 Let the malice of the wicked come to an end,
but establish the righteous; *
for you test the mind and heart, O righteous God.
11 God is my shield and defence; *
he is the saviour of the true in heart.
12 God is a righteous judge; *
God sits in judgement every day.
13 If they will not repent, God will whet his sword; *
he will bend his bow and make it ready.
14 He has prepared his weapons of death; *
he makes his arrows shafts of fire.
15 Look at those who are in labour with wickedness, *
who conceive evil, and give birth to a lie.
16 They dig a pit and make it deep *
and fall into the hole that they have made.
17 Their malice turns back upon their own head; *
their violence falls on their own scalp.
18 I will bear witness that the Lord is righteous; *
I will praise the name of the Lord Most High.
Righteous judge of the nations, you know the secrets of our
hearts; our sins are not hidden from you. Rise to our defence
and strengthen us in the faith, that we may struggle against
evil and bear witness to your justice, in the name of Jesus
Christ our Redeemer.
8
1 Lord our governor, *
how exalted is your name in all the world!
2 Out of the mouths of infants and children *
your majesty is praised above the heavens.
3 You have set up a stronghold against your adversaries, *
to quell the enemy and the avenger.
Psalm 8 711
4 When I consider your heavens, the work of your fingers, *
the moon and the stars you have set in their courses,
5 What is man that you should be mindful of him? *
the son of man that you should seek him out?
6 You have made him but little lower than the angels; *
you adorn him with glory and honour;
7 You give him mastery over the works of your hands; *
you put all things under his feet;
8 All sheep and oxen, *
even the wild beasts of the field,
9 The birds of the air, the fish of the sea, *
and whatsoever walks in the paths of the sea.
10 O Lord our governor, *
how exalted is your name in all the world!
Blessed are you, creator of heaven and earth; amid the
immensity of the universe, you are mindful of us and seek us
out. Blessed are you for the gift of your Son, who humbled
himself to share our life that we might be raised with him to
glory and splendour. Blessed be your holy name, Father, Son,
and Holy Spirit, now and for ever.
9
1 I will give thanks to you, O Lord, with my whole heart; *
I will tell of all your marvellous works.
2 I will be glad and rejoice in you; *
I will sing to your name, O Most High.
3 When my enemies are driven back, *
they will stumble and perish at your presence.
4 For you have maintained my right and my cause; *
you sit upon your throne judging right.
5 You have rebuked the ungodly and destroyed the wicked; *
you have blotted out their name for ever and ever.
712 Psalm 9
6 As for the enemy, they are finished, in perpetual ruin, *
their cities ploughed under, the memory of them perished;
7 But the Lord is enthroned for ever; *
he has set up his throne for judgement.
8 It is he who rules the world with righteousness; *
he judges the peoples with equity.
9 The Lord will be a refuge for the oppressed, *
a refuge in time of trouble.
10 Those who know your name will put their trust in you, *
for you never forsake those who seek you, O Lord.
11 Sing praise to the Lord who dwells in Zion; *
proclaim to the peoples the things he has done.
12 The avenger of blood will remember them; *
he will not forget the cry of the afflicted.
13 Have pity on me, O Lord; *
see the misery I suffer from those who hate me,
O you who lift me up from the gate of death;
14 So that I may tell of all your praises
and rejoice in your salvation *
in the gates of the city of Zion.
15 The ungodly have fallen into the pit they dug, *
and in the snare they set is their own foot caught.
16 The Lord is known by his acts of justice; *
the wicked are trapped in the works of their own hands.
17 The wicked shall be given over to the grave, *
and also all the peoples that forget God.
18 For the needy shall not always be forgotten, *
and the hope of the poor shall not perish for ever.
19 Rise up, O Lord, let not the ungodly have the upper-hand; *
let them be judged before you.
20 Put fear upon them, O Lord; *
let the ungodly know they are but mortal.
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Righteous Judge, hear the cries of your people. Rescue them
from the hands of their oppressors, and save them from the
gates of death, that we may always rejoice in your help;
through Jesus Christ our Saviour and Defender.
10
1 Why do you stand so far off, O Lord, *
and hide yourself in time of trouble?
2 The wicked arrogantly persecute the poor, *
but they are trapped in the schemes they have devised.
3 The wicked boast of their heart’s desire; *
the covetous curse and revile the Lord.
4 The wicked are so proud that they care not for God; *
their only thought is, “God does not matter.”
5 Their ways are devious at all times;
your judgements are far above out of their sight; *
they defy all their enemies.
6 They say in their heart, “I shall not be shaken; *
no harm shall happen to me ever.”
7 Their mouth is full of cursing, deceit, and oppression; *
under their tongue are mischief and wrong.
8 They lurk in ambush in public squares
and in secret places they murder the innocent; *
they spy out the helpless.
9 They lie in wait, like a lion in a covert;
they lie in wait to seize upon the lowly; *
they seize the lowly and drag them away in their net.
10 The innocent are broken and humbled before them; *
the helpless fall before their power.
11 They say in their heart, “God has forgotten; *
he hides his face; he will never notice.”
12 Rise up, O Lord;
lift up your hand, O God; *
do not forget the afflicted.
714 Psalm 10
13 Why should the wicked revile God? *
why should they say in their heart, “You do not care”?
14 Surely, you behold trouble and misery; *
you see it and take it into your own hand.
15 The helpless commit themselves to you, *
for you are the helper of orphans.
16 Break the power of the wicked and evil; *
search out their wickedness until you find none. *
17 The Lord is king for ever and ever; *
the ungodly shall perish from his land.
18 The Lord will hear the desire of the humble; *
you will strengthen their heart and your ears shall hear;
19 To give justice to the orphan and oppressed, *
so that mere mortals may strike terror no more.
Helper of the helpless, do not hide your face from the troubles
of your people. Give them strength and comfort in times of
affliction, that we may proclaim the joyous news of freedom
in Jesus Christ our Saviour.
11
1 In the Lord have I taken refuge; *
how then can you say to me,
“Fly away like a bird to the hilltop;
2 For see how the wicked bend the bow
and fit their arrows to the string, *
to shoot from ambush at the true of heart.
3 When the foundations are being destroyed, *
what can the righteous do?”
4 The Lord is in his holy temple; *
the Lord’s throne is in heaven.
5 His eyes behold the inhabited world; *
his piercing eye weighs our worth.
Psalm 11 715
6 The Lord weighs the righteous as well as the wicked, *
but those who delight in violence he abhors.
7 Upon the wicked he shall rain coals of fire and
burning sulphur; *
a scorching wind shall be their lot.
8 For the Lord is righteous;
he delights in righteous deeds; *
and the just shall see his face.
God our refuge, deliver us from violence and evil, and guide
us in the paths of righteousness, that on the day of judgement
we may rejoice to see you face to face; through Jesus Christ our
Redeemer.
12
1 Help me, Lord, for there is no godly one left; *
the faithful have vanished from among us.
2 Everyone speaks falsely with his neighbour; *
with a smooth tongue they speak from a double heart.
3 Oh, that the Lord would cut off all smooth tongues, *
and close the lips that utter proud boasts!
4 Those who say, “With our tongue will we prevail; *
our lips are our own; who is lord over us?”
5 “Because the needy are oppressed,
and the poor cry out in misery, *
I will rise up, “says the Lord,
“and give them the help they long for.”
6 The words of the Lord are pure words, *
like silver refined from ore
and purified seven times in the fire.
7 O Lord, watch over us *
and save us from this generation for ever.
8 The wicked prowl on every side, *
and that which is worthless is highly prized by everyone.
716 Psalm 12
God of truth, protector of your people, come to the aid of all
who are poor and oppressed. By the power of your life-giving
word lead us in the ways of peace and integrity, and give us
the help we long for in Jesus Christ our Saviour.
13
1 How long, O Lord?
will you forget me for ever? *
how long will you hide your face from me?
2 How long shall I have perplexity in my mind,
and grief in my heart, day after day? *
how long shall my enemy triumph over me?
3 Look upon me and answer me, O Lord my God; *
give light to my eyes, lest I sleep in death;
4 Lest my enemy say, “I have prevailed over him,” *
and my foes rejoice that I have fallen.
5 But I put my trust in your mercy; *
my heart is joyful because of your saving help.
6 I will sing to the Lord, for he has dealt with me richly; *
I will praise the name of the Lord Most High.
Loving and merciful God, hear the prayers of those who cry to
you, and shine with the light of your presence on those who
live in the shadow of death. May we rejoice in your saving help
and sing you songs of praise in the name of our risen Saviour,
Jesus Christ.
14
1 The fool has said in his heart, “There is no God.” *
All are corrupt and commit abominable acts;
there is none who does any good.
2 The Lord looks down from heaven upon us all, *
to see if there is any who is wise,
if there is one who seeks after God.
Psalms 13, 14 717

3 Every one has proved faithless;
all alike have turned bad; *
there is none who does good; no, not one.
4 Have they no knowledge, all those evildoers *
who eat up my people like bread
and do not call upon the Lord?
5 See how they tremble with fear, *
because God is in the company of the righteous.
6 Their aim is to confound the plans of the afflicted, *
but the Lord is their refuge.
7 Oh, that Israel’s deliverance would come out of Zion! *
when the Lord restores the fortunes of his people,
Jacob will rejoice and Israel be glad.
God of wisdom and love, without you neither truth nor

holiness can survive. Show your mighty presence among us,
and make us glad in proclaiming your deliverance in Jesus
Christ our Lord.
15
1 Lord, who may dwell in your tabernacle? *
who may abide upon your holy hill?
2 Whoever leads a blameless life and does what is right, *
who speaks the truth from his heart.
3 There is no guile upon his tongue;
he does no evil to his friend; *
he does not heap contempt upon his neighbour.
4 In his sight the wicked is rejected, *
but he honours those who fear the Lord.
5 He has sworn to do no wrong *
and does not take back his word.
6 He does not give his money in hope of gain, *
nor does he take a bribe against the innocent.
718 Psalm 15
7 Whoever does these things *
shall never be overthrown.
God of love, teach us to walk blamelessly in your ways, that
our whole life may be established in you, and that we may
come to the place prepared for us by your Son, Jesus Christ
our Redeemer.
16
1 Protect me, O God, for I take refuge in you; *
I have said to the Lord, “You are my Lord,
my good above all other.”
2 All my delight is upon the godly that are in the land, *
upon those who are noble among the people.
3 But those who run after other gods *
shall have their troubles multiplied.
4 Their libations of blood I will not offer, *
nor take the names of their gods upon my lips.
5 O Lord, you are my portion and my cup; *

it is you who uphold my lot.
6 My boundaries enclose a pleasant land; *
indeed, I have a goodly heritage.
7 I will bless the Lord who gives me counsel; *
my heart teaches me, night after night.
8 I have set the Lord always before me; *
because he is at my right hand I shall not fall.
9 My heart, therefore, is glad, and my spirit rejoices; *
my body also shall rest in hope.
10 For you will not abandon me to the grave, *
nor let your holy one see the Pit.
11 You will show me the path of life; *
in your presence there is fullness of joy,
and in your right hand are pleasures for evermore.
Psalm 16 719
Gracious God, we bless your holy name for the heritage you
have given us. Show us the path of life, that we may follow it
in hope, and come to know the joy of the resurrection of your
Son, Jesus Christ.
17
1 Hear my plea of innocence, O Lord;
give heed to my cry; *
listen to my prayer, which does not come from lying lips.
2 Let my vindication come forth from your presence; *
let your eyes be fixed on justice.
3 Weigh my heart, summon me by night, *
melt me down; you will find no impurity in me.
4 I give no offence with my mouth as others do; *
I have heeded the words of your lips.
5 My footsteps hold fast to the ways of your law; *
in your paths my feet shall not stumble.
6 I call upon you, O God, for you will answer me; *
incline your ear to me and hear my words.
7 Show me your marvellous loving-kindness, *
O Saviour of those who take refuge at your right hand
from those who rise up against them.
8 Keep me as the apple of your eye; *
hide me under the shadow of your wings,
9 From the wicked who assault me, *
from my deadly enemies who surround me.
10 They have closed their heart to pity, *
and their mouth speaks proud things.
11 They press me hard,
now they surround me, *
watching how they may cast me to the ground,
12 Like a lion, greedy for its prey, *
and like a young lion lurking in secret places.
720 Psalm 17
13 Arise, O Lord; confront them and bring them down; *
deliver me from the wicked by your sword.
14 Deliver me, O Lord, by your hand *
from those whose portion in life is this world;
15 Whose bellies you fill with your treasure, *
who are well supplied with children
and leave their wealth to their little ones.
16 But at my vindication I shall see your face; *
when I awake, I shall be satisfied, beholding
your likeness.
God of truth and justice, watch over your people in adversity,
that we may know the wonders of your love and see the glory
of your presence; through Jesus Christ our Saviour.
18
Part I
1 I love you, O Lord my strength, *
O Lord my stronghold, my crag, and my haven.
2 My God, my rock in whom I put my trust, *
my shield, the horn of my salvation, and my refuge;
you are worthy of praise.
3 I will call upon the Lord, *
and so shall I be saved from my enemies.
4 The breakers of death rolled over me, *
and the torrents of oblivion made me afraid.
5 The cords of hell entangled me, *
and the snares of death were set for me.
6 I called upon the Lord in my distress *
and cried out to my God for help.
7 He heard my voice from his heavenly dwelling; *
my cry of anguish came to his ears.
Psalm 18 721
8 The earth reeled and rocked; *
the roots of the mountains shook;
they reeled because of his anger.
9 Smoke rose from his nostrils
and a consuming fire out of his mouth; *
hot burning coals blazed forth from him.
10 He parted the heavens and came down *
with a storm cloud under his feet.
11 He mounted on Cherubim and flew; *
he swooped on the wings of the wind.
12 He wrapped darkness about him; *
he made dark waters and thick clouds his pavilion.
13 From the brightness of his presence, through the clouds, *
burst hailstones and coals of fire.
14 The Lord thundered out of heaven; *
the Most High uttered his voice.
15 He loosed his arrows and scattered them; *
he hurled thunderbolts and routed them.
16 The beds of the seas were uncovered,
and the foundations of the world laid bare, *
at your battle cry, O Lord,
at the blast of the breath of your nostrils.
17 He reached down from on high and grasped me; *
he drew me out of great waters.
18 He delivered me from my strong enemies
and from those who hated me; *
for they were too mighty for me.
19 They confronted me in the day of my disaster; *
but the Lord was my support.
20 He brought me out into an open place; *
he rescued me because he delighted in me.
722 Psalm 18
18
Part II
21 The Lord rewarded me because of my righteous dealing; *
because my hands were clean he rewarded me;
22 For I have kept the ways of the Lord *
and have not offended against my God;
23 For all his judgements are before my eyes, *
and his decrees I have not put away from me;
24 For I have been blameless with him *
and have kept myself from iniquity;
25 Therefore the Lord rewarded me according to my
righteous dealing, *
because of the cleanness of my hands in his sight.
26 With the faithful you show yourself faithful, O God; *
with the forthright you show yourself forthright.
27 With the pure you show yourself pure, *
but with the crooked you are wily.
28 You will save a lowly people, *
but you will humble the haughty eyes.
29 You, O Lord, are my lamp; *
my God, you make my darkness bright.
30 With you I will break down an enclosure; *
with the help of my God I will scale any wall.
31 As for God, his ways are perfect;
the words of the Lord are tried in the fire; *
he is a shield to all who trust in him.
32 For who is God, but the Lord? *
who is the rock, except our God?
33 It is God who girds me about with strength *
and makes my way secure.
34 He makes me sure-footed like a deer *
and lets me stand firm on the heights.
Psalm 18 723
35 He trains my hands for battle *
and my arms for bending even a bow of bronze.
36 You have given me your shield of victory; *
your right hand also sustains me;
your loving care makes me great.
37 You lengthen my stride beneath me, *
and my ankles do not give way.
38 I pursue my enemies and overtake them; *
I will not turn back till I have destroyed them.
39 I strike them down, and they cannot rise; *
they fall defeated at my feet.
40 You have girded me with strength for the battle; *
you have cast down my adversaries beneath me;
you have put my enemies to flight.
41 I destroy those who hate me;
they cry out, but there is none to help them; *
they cry to the Lord, but he does not answer.
42 I beat them small like dust before the wind; *
I trample them like mud in the streets.
43 You deliver me from the strife of the peoples; *
you put me at the head of the nations.
44 A people I have not known shall serve me;
no sooner shall they hear than they shall obey me; *
strangers will cringe before me.
45 The foreign peoples will lose heart; *
they shall come trembling out of their strongholds.
46 The Lord lives! Blessed is my rock! *
Exalted is the God of my salvation!
47 He is the God who gave me victory *
and cast down the peoples beneath me.
48 You rescued me from the fury of my enemies;
you exalted me above those who rose against me; *
you saved me from my deadly foe.
724 Psalm 18
49 Therefore will I extol you among the nations, O Lord, *
and sing praises to your name.
50 He multiplies the victories of his king; *
he shows loving-kindness to his anointed,
to David and his descendants for ever.
Praise to you, God of our salvation; you come to our help and
set us free. May your strength be our shield and your word be
our lamp, that we may serve you with pure hearts and find
victory through our Saviour Jesus Christ.
19
1 The heavens declare the glory of God, *
and the firmament shows his handiwork.
2 One day tells its tale to another, *
and one night imparts knowledge to another.
3 Although they have no words or language, *
and their voices are not heard,
4 Their sound has gone out into all lands, *
and their message to the ends of the world.
5 In the deep has he set a pavilion for the sun; *
it comes forth like a bridegroom out of his chamber;
it rejoices like a champion to run its course.
6 It goes forth from the uttermost edge of the heavens
and runs about to the end of it again; *
nothing is hidden from its burning heat.
7 The law of the Lord is perfect

and revives the soul; *
the testimony of the Lord is sure
and gives wisdom to the innocent.
8 The statutes of the Lord are just
and rejoice the heart; *
the commandment of the Lord is clear
and gives light to the eyes.
Psalm 19 725
9 The fear of the Lord is clean
and endures for ever; *
the judgements of the Lord are true
and righteous altogether.
10 More to be desired are they than gold,
more than much fine gold, *
sweeter far than honey,
than honey in the comb.
11 By them also is your servant enlightened, *
and in keeping them there is great reward.
12 Who can tell how often he offends? *
cleanse me from my secret faults.
13 Above all, keep your servant from presumptuous sins;
let them not get dominion over me; *
then shall I be whole and sound,
and innocent of a great offense.
14 Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my
heart be acceptable in your sight, *
O Lord, my strength and my redeemer.
Gracious creator of heaven and earth, your Word has come
among us as the true Sun of righteousness, and the good news
of his birth has gone out to the ends of the world. Open our
eyes to the light of your law, that we may be purified from sin
and serve you without reproach for the sake of Jesus Christ,
our Light and our Life.
20
1 May the Lord answer you in the day of trouble, *
the name of the God of Jacob defend you;
2 Send you help from his holy place *
and strengthen you out of Zion;
3 Remember all your offerings *
and accept your burnt sacrifice;
726 Psalm 20
4 Grant you your heart’s desire *
and prosper all your plans.
5 We will shout for joy at your victory
and triumph in the name of our God; *
may the Lord grant all your requests.
6 Now I know that the Lord gives victory to his anointed; *
he will answer him out of his holy heaven,
with the victorious strength of his right hand.
7 Some put their trust in chariots and some in horses, *
but we will call upon the name of the Lord our God.
8 They collapse and fall down, *
but we will arise and stand upright.
9 O Lord, give victory to the king
and answer us when we call.
God, our hope and our defence, protect all those who call
upon your name, that they may stand upright in the day of
trouble, and share in the victory of your Son our Saviour Jesus
Christ.
21
1 The king rejoices in your strength, O Lord; *
how greatly he exults in your victory!
2 You have given him his heart’s desire; *
you have not denied him the request of his lips.
3 For you meet him with blessings of prosperity, *
and set a crown of fine gold upon his head.
4 He asked you for life, and you gave it to him; *
length of days, for ever and ever.
5 His honour is great, because of your victory; *
splendour and majesty have you bestowed upon him.
6 For you will give him everlasting felicity *
and will make him glad with the joy of your presence.
Psalm 21 727
7 For the king puts his trust in the Lord; *
because of the loving-kindness of the Most High, he
will not fall.
8 Your hand will lay hold upon all your enemies; *

your right hand will seize all those who hate you.
9 You will make them like a fiery furnace *
at the time of your appearing, O Lord;
10 You will swallow them up in your wrath, *
and fire shall consume them.
11 You will destroy their offspring from the land *
and their descendants from among the
peoples of the earth.
12 Though they intend evil against you
and devise wicked schemes, *
yet they shall not prevail.
13 For you will put them to flight *
and aim your arrows at them.
14 Be exalted, O Lord, in your might; *
we will sing and praise your power.
Giver of life and source of all blessings, may the leaders of the
nations serve your people with justice and protect them from
violence, hardship, and exploitation. We ask this in the name
of Jesus Christ, our Lord and our King.
22
1 My God, my God, why have you forsaken me? *
and are so far from my cry
and from the words of my distress?
2 O my God, I cry in the daytime, but you do not answer; *
by night as well, but I find no rest.
3 Yet you are the Holy One, *
enthroned upon the praises of Israel.
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4 Our forefathers put their trust in you; *
they trusted, and you delivered them.
5 They cried out to you and were delivered; *
they trusted in you and were not put to shame.
6 But as for me, I am a worm and no man, *
scorned by all and despised by the people.
7 All who see me laugh me to scorn; *
they curl their lips and wag their heads, saying,
8 “He trusted in the Lord; let him deliver him; *
let him rescue him, if he delights in him.”
9 Yet you are he who took me out of the womb, *
and kept me safe upon my mother’s breast.
10 I have been entrusted to you ever since I was born; *
you were my God when I was still in my mother’s womb.
11 Be not far from me, for trouble is near, *
and there is none to help.
12 Many young bulls encircle me; *
strong bulls of Bashan surround me.
13 They open wide their jaws at me, *
like a ravening and a roaring lion.
14 I am poured out like water;
all my bones are out of joint; *
my heart within my breast is melting wax.
15 My mouth is dried out like a pot-sherd;
my tongue sticks to the roof of my mouth; *
and you have laid me in the dust of the grave.
16 Packs of dogs close me in,
and gangs of evildoers circle around me; *
they pierce my hands and my feet;
I can count all my bones.
17 They stare and gloat over me; *
they divide my garments among them;
they cast lots for my clothing.
Psalm 22 729
18 Be not far away, O Lord; *
you are my strength; hasten to help me.
19 Save me from the sword, *
my life from the power of the dog.
20 Save me from the lion’s mouth, *
my wretched body from the horns of wild bulls.
21 I will declare your name to my brethren; *
in the midst of the congregation I will praise you.
22 Praise the Lord, you that fear him; *

stand in awe of him, O offspring of Israel;
all you of Jacob’s line, give glory.
23 For he does not despise nor abhor the poor in their poverty;
neither does he hide his face from them; *
but when they cry to him he hears them.
24 My praise is of him in the great assembly; *
I will perform my vows in the presence of those who
worship him.
25 The poor shall eat and be satisfied,
and those who seek the Lord shall praise him: *
“May your heart live for ever!”
26 All the ends of the earth shall remember and turn to
the Lord, *
and all the families of the nations shall bow before him.
27 For kingship belongs to the Lord; *
he rules over the nations.
28 To him alone all who sleep in the earth bow down
in worship; *
all who go down to the dust fall before him.
29 My soul shall live for him;
my descendants shall serve him; *
they shall be known as the Lord’s for ever.
30 They shall come and make known to a people yet unborn *
the saving deeds that he has done.
730 Psalm 22
Father, your tortured Son felt abandoned, and cried out in
anguish from the cross, yet you delivered him. He overcame
the bonds of death and rose in triumph from the grave. Do not
hide your face from those who cry out to you: feed the hungry,
strengthen the weak, and break the chains of the oppressed,
that your people may rejoice in your saving deeds. This we ask
in the name of Jesus Christ our Saviour.
23
1 The Lord is my shepherd; *
2 He makes me lie down in green pastures *
3 He revives my soul *
4 Though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death,
5 You spread a table before me in the presence of those
who trouble me; *
6 Surely your goodness and mercy shall follow me all the
days of my life, *
and I will dwell in the house of the Lord for ever.
Glory to you, Jesus Christ, our good shepherd. In the waters of
baptism you give us new birth, at your table you nourish us
with heavenly food, and in your goodness and mercy, you
guide us beyond the terrors of evil and death to your Father’s
home to dwell in eternal light. Glory to you for ever.
Psalm 23 731
24
1 The earth is the Lord’s and all that is in it, *
the world and all who dwell therein.
2 For it is he who founded it upon the seas *
and made it firm upon the rivers of the deep.
3 “Who can ascend the hill of the Lord? *
and who can stand in his holy place?”
4 “Those who have clean hands and a pure heart, *
who have not pledged themselves to falsehood,
nor sworn by what is a fraud.
5 They shall receive a blessing from the Lord *
and a just reward from the God of their salvation.”
6 Such is the generation of those who seek him, *
of those who seek your face, O God of Jacob.
7 Lift up your heads, O gates;

lift them high, O everlasting doors; *
and the King of glory shall come in.
8 “Who is this King of glory?” *
“The Lord, strong and mighty,
the Lord, mighty in battle.”
9 Lift up your heads, O gates;
lift them high, O everlasting doors; *
and the King of glory shall come in.
10 “Who is he, this King of glory?” *
“The Lord of hosts,
he is the King of glory.”
Creator and ruler of all, open our hearts that the King of glory
may enter, and bring us rejoicing to your holy mountain,
where you live and reign, now and for ever.
732 Psalm 24
25
1 To you, O Lord, I lift up my soul;
my God, I put my trust in you; *
let me not be humiliated,
nor let my enemies triumph over me.
2 Let none who look to you be put to shame; *
let the treacherous be disappointed in their schemes.
3 Show me your ways, O Lord, *
and teach me your paths.
4 Lead me in your truth and teach me, *
for you are the God of my salvation;
in you have I trusted all the day long.
5 Remember, O Lord, your compassion and love, *
for they are from everlasting.
6 Remember not the sins of my youth and my transgressions; *
remember me according to your love
and for the sake of your goodness, O Lord.
7 Gracious and upright is the Lord; *
therefore he teaches sinners in his way.
8 He guides the humble in doing right *
and teaches his way to the lowly.
9 All the paths of the Lord are love and faithfulness *
to those who keep his covenant and his testimonies.
10 For your name’s sake, O Lord, *
forgive my sin, for it is great.
11 Who are they who fear the Lord? *
he will teach them the way that they should choose.
12 They shall dwell in prosperity, *
and their offspring shall inherit the land.
13 The Lord is a friend to those who fear him *
and will show them his covenant.
14 My eyes are ever looking to the Lord, *
for he shall pluck my feet out of the net.
Psalm 25 733
15 Turn to me and have pity on me, *
for I am left alone and in misery.
16 The sorrows of my heart have increased; *
bring me out of my troubles.
17 Look upon my adversity and misery *
and forgive me all my sin.
18 Look upon my enemies, for they are many, *
and they bear a violent hatred against me.
19 Protect my life and deliver me; *
let me not be put to shame, for I have trusted in you.
20 Let integrity and uprightness preserve me, *
for my hope has been in you.
21 Deliver Israel, O God, *
out of all his troubles.
God of compassion and love, forgive our sins, relieve our
misery, satisfy our longing, and fulfil all our hopes for peace;
through your Son Jesus Christ our Redeemer.
26
1 Give judgement for me, O Lord,
for I have lived with integrity; *
I have trusted in the Lord and have not faltered.
2 Test me, O Lord, and try me; *
examine my heart and my mind.
3 For your love is before my eyes; *
I have walked faithfully with you.
4 I have not sat with the worthless, *
nor do I consort with the deceitful.
5 I have hated the company of evildoers; *
I will not sit down with the wicked.
6 I will wash my hands in innocence, O Lord, *
that I may go in procession round your altar,
734 Psalm 26
7 Singing aloud a song of thanksgiving *
and recounting all your wonderful deeds.
8 Lord, I love the house in which you dwell
and the place where your glory abides.
9 Do not sweep me away with sinners, *
nor my life with those who thirst for blood,
10 Whose hands are full of evil plots, *
and their right hand full of bribes.
11 As for me, I will live with integrity; *
redeem me, O Lord, and have pity on me.
12 My foot stands on level ground; *
in the full assembly I will bless the Lord.
God of love and mercy, give us clean hands and pure hearts,
that we may walk in innocence and come to your eternal
dwelling, to praise you in the company of your saints for ever.
27
1 The Lord is my light and my salvation;
whom then shall I fear? *
the Lord is the strength of my life;
of whom then shall I be afraid?
2 When evildoers came upon me to eat up my flesh, *
it was they, my foes and my adversaries, who
stumbled and fell.
3 Though an army should encamp against me, *
yet my heart shall not be afraid;
4 And though war should rise up against me, *
yet will I put my trust in him.
5 One thing have I asked of the Lord;
one thing I seek; *
that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days
of my life;
Psalm 27 735
6 To behold the fair beauty of the Lord *
and to seek him in his temple.
7 For in the day of trouble he shall keep me safe
in his shelter; *
he shall hide me in the secrecy of his dwelling
and set me high upon a rock.
8 Even now he lifts up my head *
above my enemies round about me.
9 Therefore I will offer in his dwelling an oblation
with sounds of great gladness; *
I will sing and make music to the Lord.
10 Hearken to my voice, O Lord, when I call; *
have mercy on me and answer me.
11 You speak in my heart and say, “Seek my face.” *
Your face, Lord, will I seek.
12 Hide not your face from me, *
nor turn away your servant in displeasure.
13 You have been my helper;
cast me not away; *
do not forsake me, O God of my salvation.
14 Though my father and my mother forsake me, *
the Lord will sustain me.
15 Show me your way, O Lord; *
lead me on a level path, because of my enemies.
16 Deliver me not into the hand of my adversaries, *
for false witnesses have risen up against me,
and also those who speak malice.
17 What if I had not believed
that I should see the goodness of the Lord *
in the land of the living!
18 O tarry and await the Lord’s pleasure;
be strong, and he shall comfort your heart; *
wait patiently for the Lord
736 Psalm 27
Faithful God, the shelter of all who hope in you, may those
who seek your face be set free from fear and distress, and come
to see your goodness in the land of the living; through Jesus
Christ, our Light and our Salvation.
28
1 O Lord, I call to you;
my rock, do not be deaf to my cry; *
lest, if you do not hear me,
I become like those who go down to the Pit.
2 Hear the voice of my prayer when I cry out to you, *
when I lift up my hands to your holy of holies.
3 Do not snatch me away with the wicked or with the
evildoers, *
who speak peaceably with their neighbours,
while strife is in their hearts.
4 Repay them according to their deeds, *
and according to the wickedness of their actions.
5 According to the work of their hands repay them, *
and give them their just deserts.
6 They have no understanding of the Lord’s doings,
nor of the works of his hands; *
therefore he will break them down and not
build them up.
7 Blessed is the Lord! *
for he has heard the voice of my prayer.
8 The Lord is my strength and my shield; *
my heart trusts in him, and I have been helped;
9 Therefore my heart dances for joy, *
and in my song will I praise him.
10 The Lord is the strength of his people, *
a safe refuge for his anointed.
11 Save your people and bless your inheritance; *
shepherd them and carry them for ever.
Psalm 28 737
Blessed are you, strong Shepherd of your people. You hear us
when we lift up our hands in prayer, and through your Son
Jesus Christ you give us the promise of an eternal inheritance.
Blessed are you for ever.
29
1 Ascribe to the Lord, you gods, *
ascribe to the Lord glory and strength.
2 Ascribe to the Lord the glory due his name; *
worship the Lord in the beauty of holiness.
3 The voice of the Lord is upon the waters;
the God of glory thunders; *
the Lord is upon the mighty waters.
4 The voice of the Lord is a powerful voice; *
the voice of the Lord is a voice of splendour.
5 The voice of the Lord breaks the cedar trees; *
the Lord breaks the cedars of Lebanon;
6 He makes Lebanon skip like a calf, *
and Mount Hermon like a young wild ox.
7 The voice of the Lord splits the flames of fire;
the voice of the Lord shakes the wilderness; *
the Lord shakes the wilderness of Kadesh.
8 The voice of the Lord makes the oak trees writhe *
and strips the forests bare.
9 And in the temple of the Lord *
all are crying, “Glory!”
10 The Lord sits enthroned above the flood; *
the Lord sits enthroned as king for evermore.
11 The Lord shall give strength to his people; *
the Lord shall give his people the blessing of peace.
God of mystery and power, open our eyes to the flame of your
love, and open our ears to the thunder of your justice, that we
may receive your gifts of blessing and peace, to the glory of
your name; through Jesus Christ our Lord.
738 Psalm 29
30
1 I will exalt you, O Lord,
because you have lifted me up *
and have not let my enemies triumph over me.
2 O Lord my God, I cried out to you, *
and you restored me to health.
3 You brought me up, O Lord, from the dead; *
you restored my life as I was going down to the grave.
4 Sing to the Lord, you servants of his; *
give thanks for the remembrance of his holiness.
5 For his wrath endures but the twinkling of an eye, *
his favour for a lifetime.
6 Weeping may spend the night, *
but joy comes in the morning.
7 While I felt secure, I said,
“I shall never be disturbed. *
You, Lord, with your favour, made me as strong as
the mountains.”
8 Then you hid your face, *
and I was filled with fear.
9 I cried to you, O Lord; *
I pleaded with the Lord, saying,
10 “What profit is there in my blood, if I go down to the Pit? *
will the dust praise you or declare your faithfulness?
11 Hear, O Lord, and have mercy upon me; *
O Lord, be my helper.”
12 You have turned my wailing into dancing; *
you have put off my sack-cloth and clothed me with joy.
13 Therefore my heart sings to you without ceasing; *
O Lord my God, I will give you thanks for ever.
God our Father, glorious in giving and restoring life, do not
hide your face from your people overcome with loneliness and
fear; turn our mourning into dancing and raise us up with your
Son, that we may rejoice in your presence for ever.
Psalm 30 739
31
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.
6 I hate those who cling to worthless idols, *

and I put my trust in the Lord.
7 I will rejoice and be glad because of your mercy; *
for you have seen my affliction;
you know my distress.
8 You have not shut me up in the power of the enemy; *
you have set my feet in an open place.
9 Have mercy on me, O Lord, for I am in trouble; *
my eye is consumed with sorrow,
and also my throat and my belly.
10 For my life is wasted with grief,
and my years with sighing; *
my strength fails me because of affliction,
and my bones are consumed.
11 I have become a reproach to all my enemies and
even to my neighbours,
a dismay to those of my acquaintance; *
when they see me in the street they avoid me.
12 I am forgotten like a dead man, out of mind; *
I am as useless as a broken pot.
740 Psalm 31
13 For I have heard the whispering of the crowd;
fear is all around; *
they put their heads together against me;
they plot to take my life.
14 But as for me, I have trusted in you, O Lord. *
I have said, “You are my God.
15 My times are in your hand; *
rescue me from the hand of my enemies,
and from those who persecute me.
16 Make your face to shine upon your servant, *
and in your loving-kindness save me.”
17 Lord, let me not be ashamed for having called upon you; *
rather, let the wicked be put to shame;
let them be silent in the grave.
18 Let the lying lips be silenced which speak against
the righteous, *
haughtily, disdainfully, and with contempt.
19 How great is your goodness, O Lord!
which you have laid up for those who fear you; *
which you have done in the sight of all
for those who put their trust in you.
20 You hide them in the covert of your presence from those
who slander them; *
you keep them in your shelter from the strife of tongues.
21 Blessed be the Lord! *
for he has shown me the wonders of his love in a
besieged city.
22 Yet I said in my alarm,
“I have been cut off from the sight of your eyes.” *
Nevertheless, you heard the sound of my entreaty
when I cried out to you.
23 Love the Lord, all you who worship him; *
the Lord protects the faithful,
but repays to the full those who act haughtily.
24 Be strong and let your heart take courage, *
all you who wait for the Lord.
Psalm 31 741
Helper of the helpless, comfort of the afflicted, may your
servants who stand in the midst of evil find strength in the
knowledge of your presence, and praise you for the wonders
of your love; through Jesus Christ our Redeemer.
32
1 Happy are they whose transgressions are forgiven, *
and whose sin is put away!
2 Happy are they to whom the Lord imputes no guilt, *
and in whose spirit there is no guile!
3 While I held my tongue, my bones withered away, *
because of my groaning all day long.
4 For your hand was heavy upon me day and night; *
my moisture was dried up as in the heat of summer.
5 Then I acknowledged my sin to you, *
and did not conceal my guilt.
6 I said, “I will confess my transgressions to the Lord.” *
Then you forgave me the guilt of my sin.
7 Therefore all the faithful will make their prayers to you in
time of trouble; *
when the great waters overflow, they shall not reach them.
8 You are my hiding-place;
you preserve me from trouble; *
you surround me with shouts of deliverance.
9 “I will instruct you and teach you in the way that you
should go; *
I will guide you with my eye.
10 Do not be like horse or mule, which have no understanding; *
who must be fitted with bit and bridle,
or else they will not stay near you.”
11 Great are the tribulations of the wicked; *
but mercy embraces those who trust in the Lord.
12 Be glad, you righteous, and rejoice in the Lord; *
shout for joy, all who are true of heart.
742 Psalm 32
Watch over us, loving God, and when we fall into sin teach us
to acknowledge our guilt. May we forgive and be forgiven, for
the sake of the one who was wounded for our transgressions,
Jesus Christ your Son our Saviour.
33
1 Rejoice in the Lord, you righteous; *
it is good for the just to sing praises.
2 Praise the Lord with the harp; *
play to him upon the psaltery and lyre.
3 Sing for him a new song; *
sound a fanfare with all your skill upon the trumpet.
4 For the word of the Lord is right, *
and all his works are sure.
5 He loves righteousness and justice; *
the loving-kindness of the Lord fills the whole earth.
6 By the word of the Lord were the heavens made, *
by the breath of his mouth all the heavenly hosts.
7 He gathers up the waters of the ocean as in a water-skin *
and stores up the depths of the sea.
8 Let all the earth fear the Lord; *
let all who dwell in the world stand in awe of him.
9 For he spoke, and it came to pass; *
he commanded, and it stood fast.
10 The Lord brings the will of the nations to naught; *
he thwarts the designs of the peoples.
11 But the Lord’s will stands fast for ever, *
and the designs of his heart from age to age.
12 Happy is the nation whose God is the Lord! *

happy the people he has chosen to be his own!
13 The Lord looks down from heaven, *
and beholds all the people in the world.
14 From where he sits enthroned he turns his gaze *
on all who dwell on the earth.
Psalm 33 743
15 He fashions all the hearts of them *
and understands all their works.
16 There is no king that can be saved by a mighty army; *
a strong man is not delivered by his great strength.
17 The horse is a vain hope for deliverance; *
for all its strength it cannot save.
18 Behold, the eye of the Lord is upon those who fear him, *
on those who wait upon his love,
19 To pluck their lives from death, *
and to feed them in time of famine.
20 Our soul waits for the Lord; *
he is our help and our shield.
21 Indeed, our heart rejoices in him, *
for in his holy name we put our trust.
22 Let your loving-kindness, O Lord, be upon us, *
as we have put our trust in you.
Blessed are you, Creator of the universe. In your loving
kindness you watch over your chosen people. Make us
witnesses to your truth and instruments of your peace,
that all may know you as the God of justice, and praise
your holy name; through Jesus Christ our Saviour.
34
1 I will bless the Lord at all times; *
his praise shall ever be in my mouth.
2 I will glory in the Lord; *
let the humble hear and rejoice.
3 Proclaim with me the greatness of the Lord; *
let us exalt his name together.
4 I sought the Lord, and he answered me *
and delivered me out of all my terror.
5 Look upon him and be radiant, *
and let not your faces be ashamed.
744 Psalm 34
6 I called in my affliction and the Lord heard me *
and saved me from all my troubles.
7 The angel of the Lord encompasses those who fear him, *
and he will deliver them.
8 Taste and see that the Lord is good; *
happy are they who trust in him!
9 Fear the Lord, you that are his saints, *

for those who fear him lack nothing.
10 The young lions lack and suffer hunger, *
but those who seek the Lord lack nothing that is good.
11 Come, children, and listen to me; *
I will teach you the fear of the Lord.
12 Who among you loves life *
and desires long life to enjoy prosperity?
13 Keep your tongue from evil-speaking *
and your lips from lying words.
14 Turn from evil and do good; *
seek peace and pursue it.
15 The eyes of the Lord are upon the righteous, *

and his ears are open to their cry.
16 The face of the Lord is against those who do evil, *
to root out the remembrance of them from the earth.
17 The righteous cry, and the Lord hears them *
and delivers them from all their troubles.
18 The Lord is near to the brokenhearted *
and will save those whose spirits are crushed.
19 Many are the troubles of the righteous, *
but the Lord will deliver him out of them all.
20 He will keep safe all his bones; *
not one of them shall be broken.
21 Evil shall slay the wicked, *
and those who hate the righteous will be punished.
Psalm 34 745
22 The Lord ransoms the life of his servants, *
and none will be punished who trust in him.
Hear us, Lord, when we cry to you. Calm our bodies and
minds with the peace which passes understanding, and make
us radiant with the knowledge of your goodness; through
35
1 Fight those who fight me, O Lord; *
attack those who are attacking me.
2 Take up shield and armour *
and rise up to help me.
3 Draw the sword and bar the way against those
who pursue me; *
say to my soul, “I am your salvation.”
4 Let those who seek after my life be shamed and humbled; *
let those who plot my ruin fall back and be dismayed.
5 Let them be like chaff before the wind, *
and let the angel of the Lord drive them away.
6 Let their way be dark and slippery, *
and let the angel of the Lord pursue them.
7 For they have secretly spread a net for me without a cause; *
without a cause they have dug a pit to take me alive.
8 Let ruin come upon them unawares; *
let them be caught in the net they hid;
let them fall into the pit they dug.
9 Then I will be joyful in the Lord; *
I will glory in his victory.
10 My very bones will say, “Lord, who is like you? *
You deliver the poor from those who are too
strong for them,
the poor and needy from those who rob them.”
11 Malicious witnesses rise up against me; *
they charge me with matters I know nothing about.
746 Psalm 35
12 They pay me evil in exchange for good; *
my soul is full of despair.
13 But when they were sick I dressed in sack-cloth *
and humbled myself by fasting;
14 I prayed with my whole heart,
as one would for a friend or a brother; *
I behaved like one who mourns for his mother,
bowed down and grieving.
15 But when I stumbled, they were glad and gathered together;
they gathered against me; *
strangers whom I did not know tore me to pieces and
would not stop.
16 They put me to the test and mocked me; *
they gnashed at me with their teeth.
17 O Lord, how long will you look on? *
rescue me from the roaring beasts,
and my life from the young lions.
18 I will give you thanks in the great congregation; *
I will praise you in the mighty throng.
19 Do not let my treacherous foes rejoice over me, *
nor let those who hate me without a cause
wink at each other.
20 For they do not plan for peace, *
but invent deceitful schemes against the
quiet in the land.
21 They opened their mouths at me and said, *
“Aha! we saw it with our own eyes.”
22 You saw it, O Lord; do not be silent; *
O Lord, be not far from me.
23 Awake, arise, to my cause! *
to my defence, my God and my Lord!
24 Give me justice, O Lord my God,
according to your righteousness; *
do not let them triumph over me.
Psalm 35 747
25 Do not let them say in their hearts,
“Aha! just what we want!” *
Do not let them say, “We have swallowed him up.”
26 Let all who rejoice at my ruin be ashamed and disgraced; *
let those who boast against me be clothed with
dismay and shame.
27 Let those who favour my cause sing out with
joy and be glad; *
let them say always, “Great is the Lord,
who desires the prosperity of his servant.”
28 And my tongue shall be talking of your righteousness *
and of your praise all the day long.
God of our salvation, come quickly to free the poor from their
oppressors, and establish your reign of justice on earth, that your
people may sing out with joy; through Jesus Christ our Lord.
36
1 There is a voice of rebellion deep in the heart of the wicked; *
there is no fear of God before his eyes.
2 He flatters himself in his own eyes *
that his hateful sin will not be found out.
3 The words of his mouth are wicked and deceitful; *
he has left off acting wisely and doing good.
4 He thinks up wickedness upon his bed
and has set himself in no good way; *
he does not abhor that which is evil.
5 Your love, O Lord, reaches to the heavens, *

and your faithfulness to the clouds.
6 Your righteousness is like the strong mountains,
your justice like the great deep; *
you save both man and beast, O Lord.
7 How priceless is your love, O God! *
your people take refuge under the shadow of your wings.
748 Psalm 36
8 They feast upon the abundance of your house; *
you give them drink from the river of your delights.
9 For with you is the well of life, *
and in your light we see light.
10 Continue your loving-kindness to those who know you, *
and your favour to those who are true of heart.
11 Let not the foot of the proud come near me. *
nor the hand of the wicked push me aside.
12 See how they are fallen, those who work wickedness!
they are cast down and shall not be able to rise.
God of justice and of mercy, open the eyes of sinners that they
may see the light of your truth, know the power of your love,
and share in the bounty of your heavenly table; through Jesus
Christ our Saviour.
37
Part I
1 Do not fret yourself because of evildoers; *
do not be jealous of those who do wrong.
2 For they shall soon wither like the grass, *
and like the green grass fade away.
3 Put your trust in the Lord and do good; *
dwell in the land and feed on its riches.
4 Take delight in the Lord, *
and he shall give you your heart’s desire.
5 Commit your way to the Lord and put your trust in him, *
and he will bring it to pass.
6 He will make your righteousness as clear as the light *
and your just dealing as the noonday.
7 Be still before the Lord *
and wait patiently for him.
Psalm 37 749
8 Do not fret yourself over the one who prospers, *
the one who succeeds in evil schemes.
9 Refrain from anger, leave rage alone; *
do not fret yourself; it leads only to evil.
10 For evildoers shall be cut off, *
but those who wait upon the Lord shall possess the land.
11 In a little while the wicked shall be no more; *
you shall search out their place, but they will not be there.
12 But the lowly shall possess the land; *
they will delight in abundance of peace.
13 The wicked plot against the righteous *
and gnash at them with their teeth.
14 The Lord laughs at the wicked, *
because he sees that their day will come.
15 The wicked draw their sword and bend their bow
to strike down the poor and needy, *
to slaughter those who are upright in their ways.
16 Their sword shall go through their own heart, *
and their bow shall be broken.
17 The little that the righteous has *
is better than great riches of the wicked.
18 For the power of the wicked shall be broken, *
but the Lord upholds the righteous.
37
Part II
19 The Lord cares for the lives of the godly, *
and their inheritance shall last for ever.
20 They shall not be ashamed in bad times, *
and in days of famine they shall have enough.
21 As for the wicked, they shall perish, *
and the enemies of the Lord, like the glory of
the meadows, shall vanish;
they shall vanish like smoke.
750 Psalm 37
22 The wicked borrow and do not repay, *
but the righteous are generous in giving.
23 Those who are blessed by God shall possess the land, *
but those who are cursed by him shall be destroyed.
24 Our steps are directed by the Lord; *
he strengthens those in whose way he delights.
25 If they stumble, they shall not fall headlong, *
for the Lord holds them by the hand.
26 I have been young and now I am old, *
but never have I seen the righteous forsaken,
or their children begging bread.
27 The righteous are always generous in their lending, *
and their children shall be a blessing.
28 Turn from evil, and do good, *
and dwell in the land for ever.
29 For the Lord loves justice; *
he does not forsake his faithful ones.
30 They shall be kept safe for ever, *
but the offspring of the wicked shall be destroyed.
31 The righteous shall possess the land *
and dwell in it for ever.
32 The mouth of the righteous utters wisdom, *
and their tongue speaks what is right.
33 The law of their God is in their heart, *
and their footsteps shall not falter.
34 The wicked spy on the righteous *
and seek occasion to kill them.
35 The Lord will not abandon them to their hand, *
nor let them be found guilty when brought to trial.
36 Wait upon the Lord and keep his way; *
he will raise you up to possess the land,
and when the wicked are cut off, you will see it.
Psalm 37 751
37 I have seen the wicked in their arrogance, *
flourishing like a tree in full leaf.
38 I went by, and behold, they were not there; *
I searched for them, but they could not be found.
39 Mark those who are honest;
observe the upright; *
for there is a future for the peaceable.
40 Transgressors shall be destroyed, one and all; *
the future of the wicked is cut off.
41 But the deliverance of the righteous comes from the Lord; *
he is their stronghold in time of trouble.
42 The Lord will help them and rescue them; *
he will rescue them from the wicked and deliver them,
because they seek refuge in him.
God our strength, give us the humility to trust in your loving
care, and the patience to be faithful in seeking your kingdom,
that we may come to share in the inheritance of your saints;
through Jesus Christ our Saviour.
38
1 O Lord, do not rebuke me in your anger; *
do not punish me in your wrath.
2 For your arrows have already pierced me, *
and your hand presses hard upon me.
3 There is no health in my flesh,
because of your indignation; *
there is no soundness in my body, because of my sin.
4 For my iniquities overwhelm me; *
like a heavy burden they are too much for me to bear.
5 My wounds stink and fester *
by reason of my foolishness.
6 I am utterly bowed down and prostrate; *
I go about in mourning all the day long.
752 Psalm 38
7 My loins are filled with searing pain; *
there is no health in my body.
8 I am utterly numb and crushed; *
I wail, because of the groaning of my heart.
9 O Lord, you know all my desires, *
and my sighing is not hidden from you.
10 My heart is pounding, my strength has failed me, *
and the brightness of my eyes is gone from me.
11 My friends and companions draw back from my affliction; *
my neighbours stand afar off.
12 Those who seek after my life lay snares for me; *
those who strive to hurt me speak of my ruin
and plot treachery all the day long.
13 But I am like the deaf who do not hear, *
like those who are mute and do not open their mouth.
14 I have become like one who does not hear, *
and from whose mouth comes no defence.
15 For in you, O Lord, have I fixed my hope; *
you will answer me, O Lord my God.
16 For I said, “Do not let them rejoice at my expense, *
those who gloat over me when my foot slips.”
17 Truly, I am on the verge of falling, *
and my pain is always with me.
18 I will confess my iniquity *
and be sorry for my sin.
19 Those who are my enemies without cause are mighty, *
and many in number are those who wrongfully hate me.
20 Those who repay evil for good slander me, *
because I follow the course that is right.
21 O Lord, do not forsake me; *
be not far from me, O my God.
22 Make haste to help me, *
O Lord of my salvation.
Psalm 38 753
God of compassion, when we are weighed down by the
burden of our sins, help us to remember that you do not
forsake us, but show mercy through Jesus Christ our Saviour.
39
1 I said, “I will keep watch upon my ways, *
so that I do not offend with my tongue.
2 I will put a muzzle on my mouth *
while the wicked are in my presence.”
3 So I held my tongue and said nothing; *
I refrained from rash words;
but my pain became unbearable.
4 My heart was hot within me;
while I pondered, the fire burst into flame; *
I spoke out with my tongue:
5 Lord, let me know my end and the number of my days, *
so that I may know how short my life is.
6 You have given me a mere handful of days,
and my lifetime is as nothing in your sight; *
truly, even those who stand erect are but a puff of wind.
7 We walk about like a shadow,
and in vain we are in turmoil; *
we heap up riches and cannot tell who will gather them.
8 And now, what is my hope? *
O Lord, my hope is in you.
9 Deliver me from all my transgressions *
and do not make me the taunt of the fool.
10 I fell silent and did not open my mouth, *
for surely it was you that did it.
11 Take your affliction from me; *
I am worn down by the blows of your hand.
12 With rebukes for sin you punish us;
like a moth you eat away all that is dear to us; *
truly, everyone is but a puff of wind.
754 Psalm 39
13 Hear my prayer, O Lord,
and give ear to my cry; *
hold not your peace at my tears.
14 For I am but a sojourner with you, *
a wayfarer, as all my forbears were.
15 Turn your gaze from me, that I may be glad again, *
before I go my way and am no more.
God our hope, when we are troubled by fear and uncertainty,
teach us to commit our lives to your care and to go forward on
our pilgrimage, trusting in the knowledge of your love and
forgiveness; through Jesus Christ our Redeemer.
40
1 I waited patiently upon the Lord; *
he stooped to me and heard my cry.
2 He lifted me out of the desolate pit, out of the mire and clay; *
he set my feet upon a high cliff and made my footing sure.
3 He put a new song in my mouth,
a song of praise to our God; *
many shall see, and stand in awe,
and put their trust in the Lord.
4 Happy are they who trust in the Lord! *
they do not resort to evil spirits or turn to false gods.
5 Great things are they that you have done, O Lord my God!
how great your wonders and your plans for us! *
there is none who can be compared with you.
6 Oh, that I could make them known and tell them! *
but they are more than I can count.
7 In sacrifice and offering you take no pleasure *
(you have given me ears to hear you);
8 Burnt-offering and sin-offering you have not required, *
and so I said, “Behold, I come.
Psalm 40 755
9 In the roll of the book it is written concerning me: *
‘I love to do your will, O my God;
your law is deep in my heart.’”
10 I proclaimed righteousness in the great congregation; *
behold, I did not restrain my lips;
and that, O Lord, you know.
11 Your righteousness have I not hidden in my heart;
I have spoken of your faithfulness and
your deliverance; *
I have not concealed your love and faithfulness from
the great congregation.
12 You are the Lord;
do not withhold your compassion from me; *
let your love and your faithfulness keep me safe for ever,
13 For innumerable troubles have crowded upon me;
my sins have overtaken me, and I cannot see; *
they are more in number than the hairs of my head,
and my heart fails me.
14 Be pleased, O Lord, to deliver me; *
O Lord, make haste to help me.
15 Let them be ashamed and altogether dismayed

who seek after my life to destroy it; *
let them draw back and be disgraced
who take pleasure in my misfortune.
16 Let those who say “Aha!” and gloat over me be confounded, *
because they are ashamed.
17 Let all who seek you rejoice in you and be glad; *
let those who love your salvation continually say,
“Great is the Lord!”
18 Though I am poor and afflicted, *
the Lord will have regard for me.
19 You are my helper and my deliverer; *
do not tarry, O my God.
756 Psalm 40
God our saviour, hear our prayer for all who suffer at the
hands of others, and especially for those who suffer for the
sake of justice. Raise and comfort them, and lead us all in the
paths of loving service. We ask this in the name of Jesus Christ
the Lord.
41
1 Happy are they who consider the poor and needy! *
the Lord will deliver them in the time of trouble.
2 The Lord preserves them and keeps them alive,
so that they may be happy in the land; *
he does not hand them over to the will of their enemies.
3 The Lord sustains them on their sickbed *
and ministers to them in their illness.
4 I said, “Lord, be merciful to me; *
heal me, for I have sinned against you.”
5 My enemies are saying wicked things about me: *
“When will he die, and his name perish?”
6 Even if they come to see me, they speak empty words; *
their heart collects false rumours;
they go outside and spread them.
7 All my enemies whisper together about me *
and devise evil against me.
8 “A deadly thing,” they say, “has fastened on him; *
he has taken to his bed and will never get up again.”
9 Even my best friend, whom I trusted,
who broke bread with me, *
has lifted up his heel and turned against me.
10 But you, O Lord, be merciful to me and raise me up, *
and I shall repay them.
11 By this I know you are pleased with me, *
that my enemy does not triumph over me.
12 In my integrity you hold me fast, *
and shall set me before your face for ever.
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13 Blessed be the Lord God of Israel, *
from age to age. Amen. Amen.
Remember us, gracious God, when we are lonely and
depressed, and support us in the dark night of grief and
despair, for your love is faithful and you do not forget your
broken ones. We ask this in the name of Jesus Christ the Lord.
Book Two
42
1 As the deer longs for the water brooks, *
so longs my soul for you, O God.
2 My soul is athirst for God, athirst for the living God; *
when shall I come to appear before the presence of God?
3 My tears have been my food day and night, *
while all day long they say to me,
“Where now is your God?”
4 I pour out my soul when I think on these things: *
how I went with the multitude and led them into the
house of God,
5 With the voice of praise and thanksgiving, *
among those who keep holy-day.
6 Why are you so full of heaviness, O my soul? *
and why are you so disquieted within me?
7 Put your trust in God; *
for I will yet give thanks to him,
who is the help of my countenance, and my God.
8 My soul is heavy within me; *

therefore I will remember you from the land of Jordan,
and from the peak of Mizar among the heights of Hermon.
9 One deep calls to another in the noise of your cataracts; *
all your rapids and floods have gone over me.
758 Psalm 42
10 The Lord grants his loving-kindness in the daytime; *
in the night season his song is with me,
a prayer to the God of my life.
11 I will say to the God of my strength,
“Why have you forgotten me? *
and why do I go so heavily while the enemy
oppresses me?”
12 While my bones are being broken, *
my enemies mock me to my face;
13 All day long they mock me *
and say to me, “Where now is your God?”
14 Why are you so full of heaviness, O my soul?
Gracious God, in the night of distress we forget the days of sun
and joy. Even when we do not know your presence, preserve
us from the dark torrent of despair. We ask this in the name of
43
1 Give judgement for me, O God,
and defend my cause against an ungodly people; *
deliver me from the deceitful and the wicked.
2 For you are the God of my strength;
why have you put me from you? *
and why do I go so heavily while the enemy
oppresses me?
3 Send out your light and your truth, that they may lead me, *
and bring me to your holy hill
and to your dwelling;
Psalm 43 759
4 That I may go to the altar of God,
to the God of my joy and gladness; *
and on the harp I will give thanks to you, O God my God.
5 Why are you so full of heaviness, O my soul? *
God of mercy, deliver those who are weighed down by fear
and depression, and give them joy and gladness in your
presence. We ask this in the name of Jesus Christ the Lord.
44
1 We have heard with our ears, O God,
our forefathers have told us, *
the deeds you did in their days,
in the days of old.
2 How with your hand you drove the peoples out
and planted our forefathers in the land; *
how you destroyed nations and made your people flourish.
3 For they did not take the land by their sword,
nor did their arm win the victory for them; *
but your right hand, your arm, and the
light of your countenance,
because you favoured them.
4 You are my King and my God; *
you command victories for Jacob.
5 Through you we pushed back our adversaries; *
through your name we trampled on those who
rose up against us.
6 For I do not rely on my bow, *
and my sword does not give me the victory.
7 Surely, you gave us victory over our adversaries *
and put those who hate us to shame.
760 Psalm 44
8 Every day we gloried in God, *
and we will praise your name for ever.
9 Nevertheless, you have rejected and humbled us *
and do not go forth with our armies.
10 You have made us fall back before our adversary, *
and our enemies have plundered us.
11 You have made us like sheep to be eaten *
and have scattered us among the nations.
12 You are selling your people for a trifle *
and are making no profit on the sale of them.
13 You have made us the scorn of our neighbours, *
a mockery and derision to those around us.
14 You have made us a byword among the nations, *
a laughing-stock among the peoples.
15 My humiliation is daily before me, *
and shame has covered my face;
16 Because of the taunts of the mockers and blasphemers, *
because of the enemy and avenger.
17 All this has come upon us; *
yet we have not forgotten you,
nor have we betrayed your covenant.
18 Our heart never turned back, *
nor did our footsteps stray from your path;
19 Though you thrust us down into a place of misery, *
and covered us over with deep darkness.
20 If we have forgotten the name of our God, *
or stretched out our hands to some strange god,
21 Will not God find it out? *
for he knows the secrets of the heart.
22 Indeed, for your sake we are killed all the day long; *
we are accounted as sheep for the slaughter.
23 Awake, O Lord! why are you sleeping? *
Arise! do not reject us for ever.
Psalm 44 761
24 Why have you hidden your face *
and forgotten our affliction and oppression?
25 We sink down into the dust; *
our body cleaves to the ground.
26 Rise up, and help us, *
and save us, for the sake of your steadfast love.
God of hosts, be present with those who suffer for no fault of
their own: the broken victims of war, oppression, indifference,
and neglect. May we see in their sufferings the wounds of
Christ, and share with them in his gift of new life. We ask this
in his name.
45
1 My heart is stirring with a noble song;
let me recite what I have fashioned for the king; *
my tongue shall be the pen of a skilled writer.
2 You are the fairest of men; *
grace flows from your lips,
because God has blessed you for ever.
3 Strap your sword upon your thigh, O mighty warrior, *
in your pride and in your majesty.
4 Ride out and conquer in the cause of truth *
and for the sake of justice.
5 Your right hand will show you marvellous things; *
your arrows are very sharp, O mighty warrior.
6 The peoples are falling at your feet, *
and the king’s enemies are losing heart.
7 Your throne, O God, endures for ever and ever, *
a sceptre of righteousness is the sceptre of your kingdom;
you love righteousness and hate iniquity.
8 Therefore God, your God, has anointed you *
with the oil of gladness above your fellows.
762 Psalm 45
9 All your garments are fragrant with myrrh, aloes, and cassia, *
and the music of strings from ivory palaces makes you glad.
10 Kings’ daughters stand among the ladies of the court; *
on your right hand is the queen,
adorned with the gold of Ophir.
11 “Hear, O daughter; consider and listen closely; *
forget your people and your father’s house.
12 The king will have pleasure in your beauty; *
he is your master; therefore do him honour.
13 The people of Tyre are here with a gift; *
the rich among the people seek your favour.”
14 All glorious is the princess as she enters; *
her gown is cloth-of-gold.
15 In embroidered apparel she is brought to the king; *
after her the bridesmaids follow in procession.
16 With joy and gladness they are brought, *
and enter into the palace of the king.
17 “In place of fathers, O king, you shall have sons; *
you shall make them princes over all the earth.
18 I will make your name to be remembered
from one generation to another; *
therefore nations will praise you for ever and ever.”
Gracious God, your love unites heaven and earth in a new
festival of gladness. Lift our spirits to learn the way of joy that
leads us to your banquet hall, where all is golden with praise.
We ask this through Jesus Christ the Lord.
46
1 God is our refuge and strength, *
a very present help in trouble.
2 Therefore we will not fear, though the earth be moved, *
and though the mountains be toppled into the
depths of the sea;
Psalm 46 763
3 Though its waters rage and foam, *
and though the mountains tremble at its tumult.
4 The Lord of hosts is with us; *
the God of Jacob is our stronghold.
5 There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God, *

the holy habitation of the Most High.
6 God is in the midst of her;
she shall not be overthrown; *
God shall help her at the break of day.
7 The nations make much ado, and the kingdoms are shaken; *
God has spoken, and the earth shall melt away.
9 Come now and look upon the works of the Lord, *

what awesome things he has done on earth.
10 It is he who makes war to cease in all the world; *
he breaks the bow, and shatters the spear,
and burns the shields with fire.
11 “Be still, then, and know that I am God; *
I will be exalted among the nations;
I will be exalted in the earth.”
God our strength, your power is for peace, and the pride of
your mighty acts secures the city of the humble. Teach us to
put our trust in your salvation, through Jesus Christ our Lord.
47
1 Clap your hands, all you peoples; *
shout to God with a cry of joy.
764 Psalm 47
2 For the Lord Most High is to be feared; *
he is the great king over all the earth.
3 He subdues the peoples under us, *
and the nations under our feet.
4 He chooses our inheritance for us, *
the pride of Jacob whom he loves.
5 God has gone up with a shout, *
the Lord with the sound of the ram’s-horn.
6 Sing praises to God, sing praises; *
sing praises to our king, sing praises.
7 For God is king of all the earth; *
sing praises with all your skill.
8 God reigns over the nations; *
God sits upon his holy throne.
9 The nobles of the peoples have gathered together *
with the people of the God of Abraham.
10 The rulers of the earth belong to God, *
and he is highly exalted.
Blessed are you, God of all the earth; you have called us out of
every people and nation to be a royal priesthood and citizens of
your holy city. May our words of praise call the world to turn to
the joy of fellowship with you, through Jesus Christ our Lord.
48
1 Great is the Lord, and highly to be praised; *
in the city of our God is his holy hill.
2 Beautiful and lofty, the joy of all the earth, is the
hill of Zion, *
the very centre of the world and the city of the great king.
3 God is in her citadels; *
he is known to be her sure refuge.
4 Behold, the kings of the earth assembled *
and marched forward together.
Psalm 48 765
5 They looked and were astounded; *
they retreated and fled in terror.
6 Trembling seized them there; *
they writhed like a woman in childbirth,
like ships of the sea when the east wind shatters them.
7 As we have heard, so have we seen,
in the city of the Lord of hosts, in the city of our God; *
God has established her for ever.
8 We have waited in silence on your loving-kindness, O God, *
in the midst of your temple.
9 Your praise, like your name, O God, reaches to
the world’s end; *
your right hand is full of justice.
10 Let Mount Zion be glad
and the cities of Judah rejoice, *
because of your judgements.
11 Make the circuit of Zion;
walk round about her; *
count the number of her towers.
12 Consider well her bulwarks;
examine her strongholds; *
that you may tell those who come after.
13 This God is our God for ever and ever; *
he shall be our guide for evermore.
Gracious God, you have made us fellow citizens with the

saints in the city of your eternal light. In the time of storm,
when the foundations shake, teach us to wait in silence on
your steadfast and transforming love, made known to us in
49
1 Hear this, all you peoples;
hearken, all you who dwell in the world, *
you of high degree and low, rich and poor together.
766 Psalm 49
2 My mouth shall speak of wisdom, *
and my heart shall meditate on understanding.
3 I will incline my ear to a proverb *
and set forth my riddle upon the harp.
4 Why should I be afraid in evil days, *
when the wickedness of those at my heels surrounds me,
5 The wickedness of those who put their trust in their goods, *
and boast of their great riches?
6 We can never ransom ourselves, *
or deliver to God the price of our life;
7 For the ransom of our life is so great, *
that we should never have enough to pay it,
8 In order to live for ever and ever, *
and never see the grave.
9 For we see that the wise die also;
like the dull and stupid they perish *
and leave their wealth to those who come after them.
10 Their graves shall be their homes for ever,
their dwelling places from generation to generation, *
though they call the lands after their own names.
11 Even though honoured, they cannot live for ever; *
they are like the beasts that perish.
12 Such is the way of those who foolishly trust in themselves, *
and the end of those who delight in their own words.
13 Like a flock of sheep they are destined to die;
Death is their shepherd; *
they go down straightway to the grave.
14 Their form shall waste away, *
and the land of the dead shall be their home.
15 But God will ransom my life; *
he will snatch me from the grasp of death.
16 Do not be envious when some become rich, *
or when the grandeur of their house increases;
Psalm 49 767
17 For they will carry nothing away at their death, *
nor will their grandeur follow them.
18 Though they thought highly of themselves while they lived, *
and were praised for their success,
19 They shall join the company of their forebears, *
who will never see the light again.
20 Those who are honoured, but have no understanding, *
are like the beasts that perish.
God of our salvation, save us from envy, and teach us to be
content with what is enough. We ask this in the name of Jesus
Christ the Lord.
50
1 The Lord, the God of gods, has spoken; *
he has called the earth from the rising of the sun to
its setting.
2 Out of Zion, perfect in its beauty, *
God reveals himself in glory.
3 Our God will come and will not keep silence; *
before him there is a consuming flame,
and round about him a raging storm.
4 He calls the heavens and the earth from above *
to witness the judgement of his people.
5 “Gather before me my loyal followers, *
those who have made a covenant with me
and sealed it with sacrifice.”
6 Let the heavens declare the rightness of his cause; *
for God himself is judge.
7 Hear, O my people, and I will speak:

“O Israel, I will bear witness against you; *
for I am God, your God.
768 Psalm 50
8 I do not accuse you because of your sacrifices; *
your offerings are always before me.
9 I will take no bull-calf from your stalls, *
nor he-goats out of your pens;
10 For the beasts of the forest are mine, *
the herds in their thousands upon the hills.
11 I know every bird in the sky, *
and the creatures of the fields are in my sight.
12 If I were hungry, I would not tell you, *
for the whole world is mine and all that is in it.
13 Do you think I eat the flesh of bulls, *
or drink the blood of goats?
14 Offer to God a sacrifice of thanksgiving *
and make good your vows to the Most High.
15 Call upon me in the day of trouble; *
I will deliver you, and you shall honour me.”
16 But to the wicked God says: *

“Why do you recite my statutes,
and take my covenant upon your lips;
17 Since you refuse discipline, *
and toss my words behind your back?
18 When you see a thief, you make him your friend, *
and you cast in your lot with adulterers.
19 You have loosed your lips for evil, *
and harnessed your tongue to a lie.
20 You are always speaking evil of your brother *
and slandering your own mother’s son.
21 These things you have done, and I kept still, *
and you thought that I am like you.”
22 “I have made my accusation; *

I have put my case in order before your eyes.
Psalm 50 769
23 Consider this well, you who forget God, *
lest I rend you and there be none to deliver you.
24 Whoever offers me the sacrifice of thanksgiving
honours me; *
but to those who keep in my way will I show
the salvation of God.”
Blessed are you, God of glory; you call us to give up all our vain
attempts to reach you, and to come before you in thanksgiving
for your great salvation, shown to us in Jesus Christ our Lord.
51
1 Have mercy on me, O God, according to your
loving-kindness; *
in your great compassion blot out my offenses.
2 Wash me through and through from my wickedness *
3 For I know my transgressions, *
and my sin is ever before me.
4 Against you only have I sinned *
and done what is evil in your sight.
5 And so you are justified when you speak *
and upright in your judgement.
6 Indeed, I have been wicked from my birth, *
a sinner from my mother’s womb.
7 For behold, you look for truth deep within me, *
and will make me understand wisdom secretly.
8 Purge me from my sin, and I shall be pure; *
wash me, and I shall be clean indeed.
9 Make me hear of joy and gladness, *
that the body you have broken may rejoice.
10 Hide your face from my sins *
and blot out all my iniquities.
770 Psalm 51
11 Create in me a clean heart, O God, *
12 Cast me not away from your presence *
and take not your holy Spirit from me.
13 Give me the joy of your saving help again *
14 I shall teach your ways to the wicked, *
and sinners shall return to you.
15 Deliver me from death, O God, *
and my tongue shall sing of your righteousness,
O God of my salvation.
16 Open my lips, O Lord, *
17 Had you desired it, I would have offered sacrifice, *
but you take no delight in burnt-offerings.
18 The sacrifice of God is a troubled spirit; *
a broken and contrite heart, O God, you will not despise.
19 Be favourable and gracious to Zion, *

and rebuild the walls of Jerusalem.
20 Then you will be pleased with the appointed sacrifices,
with burnt-offerings and oblations; *
then shall they offer young bullocks upon your altar.
Almighty God, to you all hearts are open, all desires known,
and from you no secrets are hidden. Cleanse the thoughts of
our hearts by the inspiration of your Holy Spirit, that we may
perfectly love you, and worthily magnify your holy name;
through Christ our Lord.
52
1 You tyrant, why do you boast of wickedness *
against the godly all day long?
Psalm 52 771
2 You plot ruin;
your tongue is like a sharpened razor, *
O worker of deception.
3 You love evil more than good *
and lying more than speaking the truth.
4 You love all words that hurt, *
O you deceitful tongue.
5 Oh, that God would demolish you utterly, *
topple you, and snatch you from your dwelling,
and root you out of the land of the living!
6 The righteous shall see and tremble, *
and they shall laugh at him, saying,
7 “This is the one who did not take God for a refuge, *
but trusted in great wealth
and relied upon wickedness.”
8 But I am like a green olive tree in the house of God; *
I trust in the mercy of God for ever and ever.
9 I will give you thanks for what you have done *
and declare the goodness of your name in the presence
of the godly.
God of the oppressed, we pray for all those who suffer injustice
at the hands of cruel and indifferent rulers, especially for the
innocent victims of war. Give them strength and patience, and
hasten the day when the kingdoms of this world will own the
perfect law of love, made known to us in Jesus Christ our Lord.
53
1 The fool has said in his heart, “There is no God.” *
All are corrupt and commit abominable acts;
there is none who does any good.
2 God looks down from heaven upon us all, *
to see if there is any who is wise,
if there is one who seeks after God.
772 Psalm 53
3 Every one has proved faithless;
all alike have turned bad; *
there is none who does good; no, not one.
4 Have they no knowledge, those evildoers *
who eat up my people like bread
and do not call upon God?
5 See how greatly they tremble,
such trembling as never was; *
for God has scattered the bones of the enemy;
they are put to shame, because God has rejected them.
6 Oh, that Israel’s deliverance would come out of Zion! *
when God restores the fortunes of his people
Jacob will rejoice and Israel be glad.
God of hope, in times of trouble save us from blind despair and
help us to wait in confidence for the bloom of new life which,
in the darkness, we cannot imagine. We ask this in the name of
54
1 Save me, O God, by your name; *
in your might, defend my cause.
2 Hear my prayer, O God; *
give ear to the words of my mouth.
3 For the arrogant have risen up against me,
and the ruthless have sought my life, *
those who have no regard for God.
4 Behold, God is my helper; *
it is the Lord who sustains my life.
5 Render evil to those who spy on me; *
in your faithfulness, destroy them.
6 I will offer you a freewill sacrifice *
and praise your name, O Lord, for it is good.
7 For you have rescued me from every trouble, *
and my eye has seen the ruin of my foes.
Psalm 54 773
God of mercy, hear our prayer and come to our aid, that from
the rising of the sun to its setting we may offer you a pure
sacrifice of praise, through Jesus Christ our Lord.
55
1 Hear my prayer, O God; *
do not hide yourself from my petition.
2 Listen to me and answer me; *
I have no peace, because of my cares.
3 I am shaken by the noise of the enemy *
and by the pressure of the wicked;
4 For they have cast an evil spell upon me *
and are set against me in fury.
5 My heart quakes within me, *
and the terrors of death have fallen upon me.
6 Fear and trembling have come over me, *
and horror overwhelms me.
7 And I said, “Oh, that I had wings like a dove! *
I would fly away and be at rest.
8 I would flee to a far-off place *
and make my lodging in the wilderness.
9 I would hasten to escape *
from the stormy wind and tempest.”
10 Swallow them up, O Lord;
confound their speech; *
for I have seen violence and strife in the city.
11 Day and night the watchmen make their rounds
upon her walls, *
but trouble and misery are in the midst of her.
12 There is corruption at her heart; *
her streets are never free of oppression and deceit.
774 Psalm 55
13 For had it been an adversary who taunted me,
then I could have borne it; *
or had it been an enemy who vaunted himself against me,
then I could have hidden from him.
14 But it was you, a man after my own heart, *
my companion, my own familiar friend.
15 We took sweet counsel together, *
and walked with the throng in the house of God.
16 Let death come upon them suddenly;
let them go down alive into the grave; *
for wickedness is in their dwellings, in their very midst.
17 But I will call upon God, *
and the Lord will deliver me.
18 In the evening, in the morning, and at noonday,
I will complain and lament, *
and he will hear my voice.
19 He will bring me safely back from the battle
waged against me; *
for there are many who fight me.
20 God, who is enthroned of old, will hear me and
bring them down; *
they never change; they do not fear God.
21 My companion stretched forth his hand against
his comrade; *
he has broken his covenant.
22 His speech is softer than butter, *
but war is in his heart.
23 His words are smoother than oil, *
but they are drawn swords.
24 Cast your burden upon the Lord,
and he will sustain you; *
he will never let the righteous stumble.
25 For you will bring the bloodthirsty and deceitful *
down to the pit of destruction, O God.
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26 They shall not live out half their days, *
but I will put my trust in you.
God of grace, when we are frightened and alone, help us to trust
you and cast our burdens upon you, that we may be upheld by
your saving strength. We ask this in the name of Jesus Christ.
56
1 Have mercy on me, O God,
for my enemies are hounding me; *
all day long they assault and oppress me.
2 They hound me all the day long;
truly there are many who fight against me, O Most High.
3 Whenever I am afraid, *
I will put my trust in you.
4 In God, whose word I praise,
in God I trust and will not be afraid, *
for what can flesh do to me?
5 All day long they damage my cause; *
their only thought is to do me evil.
6 They band together; they lie in wait; *
they spy upon my footsteps;
because they seek my life.
7 Shall they escape despite their wickedness? *
O God, in your anger, cast down the peoples.
8 You have noted my lamentation;
put my tears into your bottle; *
are they not recorded in your book?
9 Whenever I call upon you, my enemies will be put to flight; *
this I know, for God is on my side.
10 In God the Lord, whose word I praise,
in God I trust and will not be afraid, *
for what can mortals do to me?
776 Psalm 56
11 I am bound by the vow I made to you, O God; *
I will present to you thank-offerings;
12 For you have rescued my soul from death and my feet
from stumbling, *
that I may walk before God in the light of the living.
Giver of courage, when our path is hard and dangerous, give
us the grace of quiet confidence. We ask this in the name of
Jesus Christ, the way, the truth, and the life.
57
1 Be merciful to me, O God, be merciful,
for I have taken refuge in you; *
in the shadow of your wings will I take refuge
until this time of trouble has gone by.
2 I will call upon the Most High God, *
the God who maintains my cause.
3 He will send from heaven and save me;
he will confound those who trample upon me; *
God will send forth his love and his faithfulness.
4 I lie in the midst of lions that devour the people; *
their teeth are spears and arrows,
their tongue a sharp sword.
5 They have laid a net for my feet,
and I am bowed low; *
they have dug a pit before me,
but have fallen into it themselves.
6 Exalt yourself above the heavens, O God, *

and your glory over all the earth.
7 My heart is firmly fixed, O God, my heart is fixed; *
I will sing and make melody.
8 Wake up, my spirit;
awake, lute and harp; *
I myself will waken the dawn.
Psalm 57 777
9 I will confess you among the peoples, O Lord; *
I will sing praise to you among the nations.
10 For your loving-kindness is greater than the heavens, *
and your faithfulness reaches to the clouds.
God our help and strength, look with mercy on all who are
oppressed in mind, body, or human dignity. Shield and protect
them, and give them that wholeness which is your will for all
your children. We ask this in the name of Jesus Christ the Lord.
58
1 Do you indeed decree righteousness, you rulers? *
do you judge the peoples with equity?
2 No; you devise evil in your hearts, *
and your hands deal out violence in the land.
3 The wicked are perverse from the womb; *
liars go astray from their birth.
4 They are as venomous as a serpent, *
they are like the deaf adder which stops its ears.
5 Which does not heed the voice of the charmer, *
no matter how skilful his charming.
6 O God, break their teeth in their mouths; *
pull the fangs of the young lions, O Lord.
7 Let them vanish like water that runs off; *
let them wither like trodden grass.
8 Let them be like the snail that melts away, *
like a stillborn child that never sees the sun.
9 Before they bear fruit, let them be cut down like a brier; *
like thorns and thistles let them be swept away.
10 The righteous will be glad when they see the vengeance; *
they will bathe their feet in the blood of the wicked.
778 Psalm 58
11 And they will say,
“Surely, there is a reward for the righteous; *
surely, there is a God who rules in the earth.”
God of justice, sweep away all tyranny and violence that
righteousness and equity may prevail among your people.
We ask in the name of Jesus Christ.
59
1 Rescue me from my enemies, O God; *
protect me from those who rise up against me.
2 Rescue me from evildoers *
and save me from those who thirst for my blood.
3 See how they lie in wait for my life,
how the mighty gather together against me; *
not for any offence or fault of mine, O Lord.
4 Not because of any guilt of mine *
they run and prepare themselves for battle.
5 Rouse yourself, come to my side, and see; *
for you, Lord God of hosts, are Israel’s God.
6 Awake, and punish all the ungodly; *
show no mercy to those who are faithless and evil.
7 They go to and fro in the evening; *
they snarl like dogs and run about the city.
8 Behold, they boast with their mouths,
and taunts are on their lips; *
“For who,” they say, “will hear us?”
9 But you, O Lord, you laugh at them; *
you laugh all the ungodly to scorn.
10 My eyes are fixed on you, O my Strength; *
for you, O God, are my stronghold.
11 My merciful God comes to meet me; *
God will let me look in triumph on my enemies.
Psalm 59 779
12 Slay them, O God, lest my people forget; *
send them reeling by your might
and put them down, O Lord our shield.
13 For the sins of their mouths, for the words of their lips,
for the cursing and lies that they utter, *
let them be caught in their pride.
14 Make an end of them in your wrath; *
make an end of them, and they shall be no more.
15 Let everyone know that God rules in Jacob, *
and to the ends of the earth.
16 They go to and fro in the evening; *
they snarl like dogs and run about the city.
17 They forage for food, *
and if they are not filled, they howl.
18 For my part, I will sing of your strength; *
I will celebrate your love in the morning;
19 For you have become my stronghold, *
a refuge in the day of my trouble.
20 To you, O my Strength, will I sing; *
for you, O God, are my stronghold and my merciful God.
God of power, deliver us from evil and confirm our trust in you,
that with our rising we may sing of your justice and exult in
your mercy. We ask this in the name of Jesus Christ the Lord.
60
1 O God, you have cast us off and broken us; *
you have been angry;
oh, take us back to you again.
2 You have shaken the earth and split it open; *
repair the cracks in it, for it totters.
3 You have made your people know hardship; *
you have given us wine that makes us stagger.
780 Psalm 60
4 You have set up a banner for those who fear you, *
to be a refuge from the power of the bow.
5 Save us by your right hand and answer us, *
that those who are dear to you may be delivered.
6 God spoke from his holy place and said: *
“I will exult and parcel out Shechem;
I will divide the valley of Succoth.
7 Gilead is mine and Manasseh is mine; *
Ephraim is my helmet and Judah my sceptre.
8 Moab is my wash basin,
on Edom I throw down my sandal to claim it, *
and over Philistia will I shout in triumph.”
9 Who will lead me into the strong city? *
who will bring me into Edom?
10 Have you not cast us off, O God? *
you no longer go out, O God, with our armies.
11 Grant us your help against the enemy, *
for vain is the help of man.
12 With God we will do valiant deeds, *
and he shall tread our enemies under foot.
God of mercy, you have called us out of exile and darkness to
be citizens and priests in your kingdom of light. Make us
strong in your cause of steadfast love and justice. We ask this
in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.
61
1 Hear my cry, O God, *
and listen to my prayer.
2 I call upon you from the ends of the earth
with heaviness in my heart; *
set me upon the rock that is higher than I.
Psalm 61 781
3 For you have been my refuge, *
a strong tower against the enemy.
4 I will dwell in your house for ever; *
I will take refuge under the cover of your wings.
5 For you, O God, have heard my vows; *
you have granted me the heritage of those
who fear your name.
6 Add length of days to the king’s life; *
let his years extend over many generations.
7 Let him sit enthroned before God for ever; *
bid love and faithfulness watch over him.
8 So will I always sing the praise of your name, *
and day by day I will fulfil my vows.
God of our salvation, when we are depressed and fearful,
teach us the way of quiet confidence and hope. We ask this in
the name of Jesus Christ the Lord.
62
1 For God alone my soul in silence waits; *
from him comes my salvation.
2 He alone is my rock and my salvation, *
my stronghold, so that I shall not be greatly shaken.
3 How long will you assail me to crush me,
all of you together, *
as if you were a leaning fence, a toppling wall?
4 They seek only to bring me down from my place of honour; *
lies are their chief delight.
5 They bless with their lips, *
but in their hearts they curse.
6 For God alone my soul in silence waits; *
truly, my hope is in him.
7 He alone is my rock and my salvation, *
my stronghold, so that I shall not be shaken.
782 Psalm 62
8 In God is my safety and my honour; *
God is my strong rock and my refuge.
9 Put your trust in him always, O people, *
pour out your hearts before him, for God is our refuge.
10 Those of high degree are but a fleeting breath, *
even those of low estate cannot be trusted.
11 On the scales they are lighter than a breath, *
all of them together.
12 Put no trust in extortion;
in robbery take no empty pride; *
though wealth increase, set not your heart upon it.
13 God has spoken once, twice have I heard it, *
that power belongs to God.
14 Steadfast love is yours, O Lord, *
for you repay everyone according to his deeds.
Lord God, in a threatening world we look to you as our rock of
hope. Hear us as we pour out our hearts to you, and give us your
grace and protection, through your Son Jesus Christ our Lord.
63
1 O God, you are my God; eagerly I seek you; *
my soul thirsts for you, my flesh faints for you,
as in a barren and dry land where there is no water.
2 Therefore I have gazed upon you in your holy place, *
that I might behold your power and your glory.
3 For your loving-kindness is better than life itself; *
my lips shall give you praise.
4 So will I bless you as long as I live *
and lift up my hands in your name.
5 My soul is content, as with marrow and fatness, *
and my mouth praises you with joyful lips,
6 When I remember you upon my bed, *
and meditate on you in the night watches.
Psalm 63 783
7 For you have been my helper, *
and under the shadow of your wings I will rejoice.
8 My soul clings to you; *
your right hand holds me fast.
9 May those who seek my life to destroy it *

go down into the depths of the earth;
10 Let them fall upon the edge of the sword, *
and let them be food for jackals.
11 But the king will rejoice in God;
all those who swear by him will be glad, *
for the mouth of those who speak lies shall be stopped.
Eternal Love, our hearts are restless until they rest in you. Let
your glory shine on us, that our lives may proclaim your
goodness, our work give you honour, and our voices praise
you forever; for the sake of Jesus Christ our Lord.
64
1 Hear my voice, O God, when I complain; *
protect my life from fear of the enemy.
2 Hide me from the conspiracy of the wicked, *
from the mob of evildoers.
3 They sharpen their tongue like a sword, *
and aim their bitter words like arrows,
4 That they may shoot down the blameless from ambush; *
they shoot without warning and are not afraid.
5 They hold fast to their evil course; *
they plan how they may hide their snares.
6 They say, “Who will see us?
who will find out our crimes? *
we have thought out a perfect plot.”
784 Psalm 64
7 The human mind and heart are a mystery; *
but God will loose an arrow at them,
and suddenly they will be wounded.
8 He will make them trip over their tongues, *
and all who see them will shake their heads.
9 Everyone will stand in awe and declare God’s deeds; *
they will recognize his works.
10 The righteous will rejoice in the Lord and put their
trust in him, *
and all who are true of heart will glory.
Heavenly Father, you gave your Son victory over those who
plotted evil against him and when he cried to you in his agony,
you delivered him from the fear of his enemies. May those
who suffer with him find refuge in you, for the sake of Jesus
Christ our Lord.
65
1 You are to be praised, O God, in Zion; *
to you shall vows be performed in Jerusalem.
2 To you that hear prayer shall all flesh come, *
because of their transgressions.
3 Our sins are stronger than we are, *
but you will blot them out.
4 Happy are they whom you choose
and draw to your courts to dwell there! *
they will be satisfied by the beauty of your house,
by the holiness of your temple.
5 Awesome things will you show us in your righteousness,
O God of our salvation, *
O Hope of all the ends of the earth
and of the seas that are far away.
6 You make fast the mountains by your power; *
they are girded about with might.
Psalm 65 785
7 You still the roaring of the seas, *
the roaring of their waves,
and the clamour of the peoples.
8 Those who dwell at the ends of the earth will tremble at
your marvellous signs; *
you make the dawn and the dusk to sing for joy.
9 You visit the earth and water it abundantly;
you make it very plenteous; *
the river of God is full of water.
10 You prepare the grain, *
for so you provide for the earth.
11 You drench the furrows and smooth out the ridges; *
with heavy rain you soften the ground and bless
its increase.
12 You crown the year with your goodness, *
and your paths overflow with plenty.
13 May the fields of the wilderness be rich for grazing, *
and the hills be clothed with joy.
14 May the meadows cover themselves with flocks,
and the valleys cloak themselves with grain; *
let them shout for joy and sing.
Lord God, joy marks your presence; beauty, abundance, and
peace are the tokens of your work in all creation. Work also in
our lives, that by these signs we may see the splendour of your
love and praise you through Jesus Christ our Lord.
66
1 Be joyful in God, all you lands; *
sing the glory of his name;
sing the glory of his praise.
2 Say to God, ”How awesome are your deeds! *
because of your great strength your enemies
cringe before you.
786 Psalm 66
3 All the earth bows down before you, *
sings to you, sings out your name”
4 Come now and see the works of God, *
how wonderful he is in his doing toward all people.
5 He turned the sea into dry land,
so that they went through the water on foot, *
and there we rejoiced in him.
6 In his might he rules for ever;
his eyes keep watch over the nations; *
let no rebel rise up against him.
7 Bless our God, you peoples; *
make the voice of his praise to be heard;
8 Who holds our souls in life, *
and will not allow our feet to slip.
9 For you, O God, have proved us; *
you have tried us just as silver is tried.
10 You brought us into the snare; *
you laid heavy burdens upon our backs.
11 You let enemies ride over our heads;
we went through fire and water; *
but you brought us out into a place of refreshment.
12 I will enter your house with burnt-offerings

and will pay you my vows, *
which I promised with my lips
and spoke with my mouth when I was in trouble.
13 I will offer you sacrifices of fat beasts
with the smoke of rams; *
I will give you oxen and goats.
14 Come and listen, all you who fear God, *
and I will tell you what he has done for me.
15 I called out to him with my mouth, *
and his praise was on my tongue.
16 If I had found evil in my heart, *
the Lord would not have heard me;
Psalm 66 787
17 But in truth God has heard me; *
he has attended to the voice of my prayer.
18 Blessed be God, who has not rejected my prayer, *
nor withheld his love from me.
God of power and might, you bring your people out of
darkness and slavery into light and freedom through the
waters of salvation. Receive our sacrifice of praise and
thanksgiving, and keep us always in your steadfast love,
67
1 May God be merciful to us and bless us, *
show us the light of his countenance and come to us.
2 Let your ways be known upon earth, *
your saving health among all nations.
3 Let the peoples praise you, O God; *
4 Let the nations be glad and sing for joy, *
for you judge the peoples with equity
and guide all the nations upon earth.
5 Let the peoples praise you, O God; *
6 The earth has brought forth her increase;
may God, our own God, give us his blessing.
7 May God give us his blessing, *
and may all the ends of the earth stand in awe of him.
Blessed are you, Lord our God, light of the earth and health of
the nations; you lead us in the way of justice and mercy,
788 Psalm 67
68
1 Let God arise, and let his enemies be scattered; *
let those who hate him flee before him.
2 Let them vanish like smoke when the wind drives it away; *
as the wax melts at the fire, so let the wicked perish at
the presence of God.
3 But let the righteous be glad and rejoice before God; *
let them also be merry and joyful.
4 Sing to God, sing praises to his name;
exalt him who rides upon the heavens; *
Yahweh is his name, rejoice before him!
5 Father of orphans, defender of widows, *
God in his holy habitation!
6 God gives the solitary a home and brings forth prisoners
into freedom; *
but the rebels shall live in dry places.
7 O God, when you went forth before your people, *
when you marched through the wilderness,
8 The earth shook, and the skies poured down rain,
at the presence of God, the God of Sinai, *
at the presence of God, the God of Israel.
9 You sent a gracious rain, O God, upon your inheritance; *
you refreshed the land when it was weary.
10 Your people found their home in it; *
in your goodness, O God, you have made provision
for the poor.
11 The Lord gave the word; *
great was the company of women who bore the tidings:
12 “Kings with their armies are fleeing away; *
the women at home are dividing the spoils.”
13 Though you lingered among the sheepfolds, *
you shall be like a dove whose wings are
covered with silver,
whose feathers are like green gold.
Psalm 68 789
14 When the Almighty scattered kings, *
it was like snow falling in Zalmon.
15 O mighty mountain, O hill of Bashan! *
O rugged mountain, O hill of Bashan!
16 Why do you look with envy, O rugged mountain,
at the hill which God chose for his resting place? *
truly, the Lord will dwell there for ever.
17 The chariots of God are twenty thousand,
even thousands of thousands;
the Lord comes in holiness from Sinai.
18 You have gone up on high and led captivity captive;
you have received gifts even from your enemies, *
that the Lord God might dwell among them.
19 Blessed be the Lord day by day, *
the God of our salvation, who bears our burdens.
20 He is our God, the God of our salvation; *
God is the Lord, by whom we escape death.
21 God shall crush the heads of his enemies, *

and the hairy scalp of those who go on still in their
wickedness.
22 The Lord has said, ”I will bring them back from Bashan; *
I will bring them back from the depths of the sea;
23 That your foot may be dipped in blood, *
the tongues of your dogs in the blood of your enemies.”
24 They see your procession, O God, *

your procession into the sanctuary, my God and my King.
25 The singers go before, musicians follow after, *
in the midst of maidens playing upon the hand-drums.
26 Bless God in the congregation; *
bless the Lord, you that are of the fountain of Israel.
790 Psalm 68
27 There is Benjamin, least of the tribes, at the head;
the princes of Judah in a company; *
and the princes of Zebulon and Naphtali.
28 Send forth your strength, O God; *
establish, O God, what you have wrought for us.
29 Kings shall bring gifts to you, *
for your temple’s sake at Jerusalem.
30 Rebuke the wild beast of the reeds, *
and the peoples, a herd of wild bulls with its calves.
31 Trample down those who lust after silver; *
scatter the peoples that delight in war.
32 Let tribute be brought out of Egypt; *
let Ethiopia stretch out her hands to God.
33 Sing to God, O kingdoms of the earth; *
sing praises to the Lord.
34 He rides in the heavens, the ancient heavens; *
he sends forth his voice, his mighty voice.
35 Ascribe power to God; *
his majesty is over Israel;
his strength is in the skies.
36 How wonderful is God in his holy places! *
the God of Israel giving strength and power to his people!
Blessed be God!
Blessed are you, Lord God of truth and justice; you open our
hearts and our mouths to pray and to praise. Guide now our
feet in your holy way, through Jesus Christ our Lord.
69
1 Save me, O God, *
for the waters have risen up to my neck.
2 I am sinking in deep mire, *
and there is no firm ground for my feet.
Psalm 69 791
3 I have come into deep waters, *
and the torrent washes over me.
4 I have grown weary with my crying;
my throat is inflamed; *
my eyes have failed from looking for my God.
5 Those who hate me without a cause are more than the hairs
of my head;
my lying foes who would destroy me are mighty. *
Must I then give back what I never stole?
6 O God, you know my foolishness, *
and my faults are not hidden from you.
7 Let not those who hope in you be put to shame through me,
Lord God of hosts; *
let not those who seek you be disgraced because of me,
O God of Israel.
8 Surely, for your sake have I suffered reproach, *
and shame has covered my face.
9 I have become a stranger to my own kindred, *
an alien to my mother’s children.
10 Zeal for your house has eaten me up; *
the scorn of those who scorn you has fallen upon me.
11 I humbled myself with fasting, *
but that was turned to my reproach.
12 I put on sack-cloth also, *
and became a byword among them.
13 Those who sit at the gate murmur against me, *
and the drunkards make songs about me.
14 But as for me, this is my prayer to you, *
at the time you have set, O Lord:
15 “In your great mercy, O God, *
answer me with your unfailing help.
16 Save me from the mire; do not let me sink; *
let me be rescued from those who hate me
and out of the deep waters.
792 Psalm 69
17 Let not the torrent of waters wash over me,
neither let the deep swallow me up; *
do not let the Pit shut its mouth upon me.
18 Answer me, O Lord, for your love is kind; *
in your great compassion, turn to me.”
19 “Hide not your face from your servant; *

be swift and answer me, for I am in distress.
20 Draw near to me and redeem me; *
because of my enemies deliver me.
21 You know my reproach, my shame, and my dishonour; *
my adversaries are all in your sight.”
22 Reproach has broken my heart, and it cannot be healed;*
I looked for sympathy, but there was none,
for comforters, but I could find no one.
23 They gave me gall to eat, *
and when I was thirsty, they gave me vinegar to drink.
24 Let the table before them be a trap *

and their sacred feasts a snare.
25 Let their eyes be darkened, that they may not see, *
and give them continual trembling in their loins.
26 Pour out your indignation upon them, *
and let the fierceness of your anger overtake them.
27 Let their camp be desolate, *
and let there be none to dwell in their tents.
28 For they persecute him whom you have stricken *
and add to the pain of those whom you have pierced.
29 Lay to their charge guilt upon guilt, *
and let them not receive your vindication.
30 Let them be wiped out of the book of the living *
and not be written among the righteous.
Psalm 69 793
31 As for me, I am afflicted and in pain; *
your help, O God, will lift me up on high.
32 I will praise the name of God in song; *
I will proclaim his greatness with thanksgiving.
33 This will please the Lord more than an offering of oxen, *
more than bullocks with horns and hoofs.
34 The afflicted shall see and be glad; *
you who seek God, your heart shall live.
35 For the Lord listens to the needy, *
and his prisoners he does not despise.
36 Let the heavens and the earth praise him, *
the seas and all that moves in them;
37 For God will save Zion and rebuild the cities of Judah; *
they shall live there and have it in possession.
38 The children of his servants will inherit it, *
and those who love his name will dwell therein.
Blessed are you, God of our hope; you restore the fallen and
rebuild the broken walls. Teach us the song of thanksgiving,
for you are the strength of your people; through Jesus Christ
our Lord.
70
1 Be pleased, O God, to deliver me; *
O Lord, make haste to help me.
2 Let those who seek my life be ashamed
and altogether dismayed; *
let those who take pleasure in my misfortune
draw back and be disgraced.
3 Let those who say to me “Aha!” and gloat over
me turn back, *
because they are ashamed.
794 Psalm 70
4 Let all who seek you rejoice and be glad in you; *
let those who love your salvation say for ever,
“Great is the Lord!”
5 But as for me, I am poor and needy; *
come to me speedily, O God.
6 You are my helper and my deliverer; *
O Lord, do not tarry.
Deliver us, Lord, from every evil, and grant us peace in our
day. In your mercy keep us free from sin and protect us from
all anxiety, as we wait in joyful hope for the coming of your
Son, Jesus Christ our Lord.
71
1 In you, O Lord, have I taken refuge; *
let me never be ashamed.
2 In your righteousness, deliver me and set me free; *
incline your ear to me and save me.
3 Be my strong rock, a castle to keep me safe; *
you are my crag and my stronghold.
4 Deliver me, my God, from the hand of the wicked, *
from the clutches of the evildoer and the oppressor.
5 For you are my hope, O Lord God, *
my confidence since I was young.
6 I have been sustained by you ever since I was born;
from my mother’s womb you have been my strength; *
my praise shall be always of you.
7 I have become a portent to many; *
but you are my refuge and my strength.
8 Let my mouth be full of your praise *
and your glory all the day long.
9 Do not cast me off in my old age; *
forsake me not when my strength fails.
Psalm 71 795
10 For my enemies are talking against me, *
and those who lie in wait for my life take counsel together.
11 They say, “God has forsaken him;
go after him and seize him; *
because there is none who will save.”
12 O God, be not far from me; *
come quickly to help me, O my God.
13 Let those who set themselves against me be put to
shame and be disgraced; *
let those who seek to do me evil be covered with
scorn and reproach.
14 But I shall always wait in patience, *
and shall praise you more and more.
15 My mouth shall recount your mighty acts
and saving deeds all day long; *
though I cannot know the number of them.
16 I will begin with the mighty works of the Lord God; *
I will recall your righteousness, yours alone.
17 O God, you have taught me since I was young, *
and to this day I tell of your wonderful works.
18 And now that I am old and gray-headed, O God, do not

forsake me, *
till I make known your strength to this generation
and your power to all who are to come.
19 Your righteousness, O God, reaches to the heavens; *
you have done great things;
who is like you, O God?
20 You have showed me great troubles and adversities, *
but you will restore my life
and bring me up again from the deep places of the earth.
21 You strengthen me more and more; *
you enfold and comfort me,
796 Psalm 71
22 Therefore I will praise you upon the lyre for your
faithfulness, O my God; *
I will sing to you with the harp, O Holy One of Israel.
23 My lips will sing with joy when I play to you, *
and so will my soul, which you have redeemed.
24 My tongue will proclaim your righteousness all day long, *
for they are ashamed and disgraced who sought
to do me harm.
Holy God, be our strength and our salvation, that we may
never be ashamed to praise you for your mighty acts. We ask
this through Jesus Christ.
72
1 Give the king your justice, O God, *
and your righteousness to the king’s son;
2 That he may rule your people righteously *
and the poor with justice;
3 That the mountains may bring prosperity to the people, *
and the little hills bring righteousness.
4 He shall defend the needy among the people; *
he shall rescue the poor and crush the oppressor.
5 He shall live as long as the sun and moon endure, *
from one generation to another.
6 He shall come down like rain upon the mown field, *
like showers that water the earth.
7 In his time shall the righteous flourish; *
there shall be abundance of peace till the moon shall
be no more.
8 He shall rule from sea to sea, *
and from the River to the ends of the earth.
9 His foes shall bow down before him, *
and his enemies lick the dust.
Psalm 72 797
10 The kings of Tarshish and of the isles shall pay tribute, *
and the kings of Arabia and Saba offer gifts.
11 All kings shall bow down before him, *
and all the nations do him service.
12 For he shall deliver the poor who cries out in distress, *
and the oppressed who has no helper.
13 He shall have pity on the lowly and poor; *
he shall preserve the lives of the needy.
14 He shall redeem their lives from oppression and violence, *
and dear shall their blood be in his sight.
15 Long may he live!
and may there be given to him gold from Arabia; *
may prayer be made for him always,
and may they bless him all the day long.
16 May there be abundance of grain on the earth,
growing thick even on the hilltops; *
may its fruit flourish like Lebanon,
and its grain like grass upon the earth.
17 May his name remain for ever
and be established as long as the sun endures; *
may all the nations bless themselves in him and
call him blessed.
18 Blessed be the Lord God, the God of Israel, *

who alone does wondrous deeds!
19 And blessed be his glorious name for ever! *
and may all the earth be filled with his glory.
Amen. Amen.
O God, bring our nation and all nations to a sense of justice
and equity, that poverty, oppression, and violence may vanish
and all may know peace and plenty. We ask this in the name of
Jesus Christ.
798 Psalm 72
Book Three
73
1 Truly, God is good to Israel, *
to those who are pure in heart.
2 But as for me, my feet had nearly slipped; *
I had almost tripped and fallen;
3 Because I envied the proud *
and saw the prosperity of the wicked:
4 For they suffer no pain, *
and their bodies are sleek and sound;
5 In the misfortunes of others they have no share; *
they are not afflicted as others are;
6 Therefore they wear their pride like a necklace *
and wrap their violence about them like a cloak.
7 Their iniquity comes from gross minds, *
and their hearts overflow with wicked thoughts.
8 They scoff and speak maliciously; *
out of their haughtiness they plan oppression.
9 They set their mouths against the heavens, *
and their evil speech runs through the world.
10 And so the people turn to them *
and find in them no fault.
11 They say, ”How should God know? *
is there knowledge in the Most High?”
12 So then, these are the wicked; *
always at ease, they increase their wealth.
13 In vain have I kept my heart clean, *
and washed my hands in innocence.
14 I have been afflicted all day long, *
and punished every morning.
15 Had I gone on speaking this way, *
I should have betrayed the generation of your children.
Psalm 73 799
16 When I tried to understand these things, *
it was too hard for me;
17 Until I entered the sanctuary of God *
and discerned the end of the wicked.
18 Surely, you set them in slippery places; *
you cast them down in ruin.
19 Oh, how suddenly do they come to destruction, *
come to an end, and perish from terror!
20 Like a dream when one awakens, O Lord, *
when you arise you will make their image vanish.
21 When my mind became embittered, *
I was sorely wounded in my heart.
22 I was stupid and had no understanding;
I was like a brute beast in your presence.
23 Yet I am always with you; *
you hold me by my right hand.
24 You will guide me by your counsel, *
and afterwards receive me with glory.
25 Whom have I in heaven but you? *
and having you I desire nothing upon earth.
26 Though my flesh and my heart should waste away, *
God is the strength of my heart and my portion for ever.
27 Truly, those who forsake you will perish; *
you destroy all who are unfaithful.
28 But it is good for me to be near God; *
I have made the Lord God my refuge.
29 I will speak of all your works *
in the gates of the city of Zion.
Most High, you know our faithlessness, and our blindness to
the rewards of goodness. Guide us with your counsel and be
the strength of our hearts, that we may not fall but rejoice in
the life of your eternal city; through Jesus Christ our Mediator.
800 Psalm 73
74
1 O God, why have you utterly cast us off? *
why is your wrath so hot against the sheep of your pasture?
2 Remember your congregation that you purchased long ago, *
the tribe you redeemed to be your inheritance,
and Mount Zion where you dwell.
3 Turn your steps toward the endless ruins; *
the enemy has laid waste everything in your sanctuary.
4 Your adversaries roared in your holy place; *
they set up their banners as tokens of victory.
5 They were like men coming up with axes to a grove of trees; *
they broke down all your carved work with hatchets
and hammers.
6 They set fire to your holy place; *
they defiled the dwelling place of your name
and razed it to the ground.
7 They said to themselves, ”Let us destroy them altogether” *
They burned down all the meeting-places of God
in the land.
8 There are no signs for us to see;
there is no prophet left; *
there is not one among us who knows how long.
9 How long, O God, will the adversary scoff? *
will the enemy blaspheme your name for ever?
10 Why do you draw back your hand? *
why is your right hand hidden in your bosom?
11 Yet God is my king from ancient times, *
victorious in the midst of the earth.
12 You divided the sea by your might *
and shattered the heads of the dragons upon the waters;
13 You crushed the heads of Leviathan *
and gave him to the people of the desert for food.
14 You split open spring and torrent; *
you dried up ever-flowing rivers.
Psalm 74 801
15 Yours is the day, yours also the night; *
you established the moon and the sun.
16 You fixed all the boundaries of the earth; *
you made both summer and winter.
17 Remember, O Lord, how the enemy scoffed, *
how a foolish people despised your name.
18 Do not hand over the life of your dove to wild beasts; *
never forget the lives of your poor.
19 Look upon your covenant; *
the dark places of the earth are haunts of violence.
20 Let not the oppressed turn away ashamed; *
let the poor and needy praise your name.
21 Arise, O God, maintain your cause; *
remember how fools revile you all day long.
22 Forget not the clamour of your adversaries, *
the unending tumult of those who rise up against you.
O God, when violence threatens and destruction seems at
hand, help us to remember that you maintain your cause and
still rule your universe through Jesus Christ our Saviour.
75
1 We give you thanks, O God, we give you thanks, *
calling upon your name and declaring all your
wonderful deeds.
2 “I will appoint a time” says God; *
“I will judge with equity.
3 Though the earth and all its inhabitants are quaking, *
I will make its pillars fast.
4 I will say to the boasters, ‘Boast no more,’ *
and to the wicked, ‘Do not toss your horns;
5 Do not toss your horns so high, *
nor speak with a proud neck.’”
802 Psalm 75
6 For judgement is neither from the east nor from the west, *
nor yet from the wilderness or the mountains.
7 It is God who judges; *
he puts down one and lifts up another.
8 For in the Lord’s hand there is a cup,
full of spiced and foaming wine, which he pours out, *
and all the wicked of the earth shall drink and
drain the dregs.
9 But I will rejoice for ever; *
I will sing praises to the God of Jacob.
10 He shall break off all the horns of the wicked; *
but the horns of the righteous shall be exalted.
O God, let not pride stiffen our necks, but help us to give you
thanks and praise your name for ever, through Jesus Christ our
Saviour.
76
1 In Judah is God known; *
his name is great in Israel.
2 At Salem is his tabernacle, *
and his dwelling is in Zion.
3 There he broke the flashing arrows, *
the shield, the sword, and the weapons of battle.
4 How glorious you are! *
more splendid than the everlasting mountains!
5 The strong of heart have been despoiled;
they sink into sleep; *
none of the warriors can lift a hand.
6 At your rebuke, O God of Jacob, *
both horse and rider lie stunned.
7 What terror you inspire! *
who can stand before you when you are angry?
Psalm 76 803
8 From heaven you pronounced judgement; *
the earth was afraid and was still;
9 When God rose up to judgement *
and to save all the oppressed of the earth.
10 Truly, wrathful Edom will give you thanks, *
and the remnant of Hamath will keep your feasts.
11 Make a vow to the Lord your God and keep it; *
let all around him bring gifts to him who is worthy
to be feared.
12 He breaks the spirit of princes, *
and strikes terror in the kings of the earth.
Judge eternal, love is the government of your holy city and the
indictment of the proud. We give thanks for the great salvation
you have revealed in Jesus Christ our Lord.
77
1 I will cry aloud to God; *
I will cry aloud, and he will hear me.
2 In the day of my trouble I sought the Lord; *
my hands were stretched out by night and did not tire;
I refused to be comforted.
3 I think of God, I am restless, *
I ponder, and my spirit faints.
4 You will not let my eyelids close; *
I am troubled and I cannot speak.
5 I consider the days of old; *
I remember the years long past;
6 I commune with my heart in the night; *
I ponder and search my mind.
7 Will the Lord cast me off for ever? *
will he no more show his favour?
804 Psalm 77
8 Has his loving-kindness come to an end for ever? *
has his promise failed for evermore?
9 Has God forgotten to be gracious? *
has he, in his anger, withheld his compassion?
10 And I said, ”My grief is this: *
the right hand of the Most High has lost its power.”
11 I will remember the works of the Lord, *
and call to mind your wonders of old time.
12 I will meditate on all your acts *
and ponder your mighty deeds.
13 Your way, O God, is holy; *
who is so great a god as our God?
14 You are the God who works wonders *
and have declared your power among the peoples.
15 By your strength you have redeemed your people, *
the children of Jacob and Joseph.
16 The waters saw you, O God;
the waters saw you and trembled; *
the very depths were shaken.
17 The clouds poured out water;
the skies thundered; *
your arrows flashed to and fro;
18 The sound of your thunder was in the whirlwind;
your lightnings lit up the world; *
the earth trembled and shook.
19 Your way was in the sea,
and your paths in the great waters, *
yet your footsteps were not seen.
20 You led your people like a flock *
by the hand of Moses and Aaron.
God of saving power, remember us in times of sorrow and
despair. Redeem us with your strength and guide us through
the wilderness. We ask this in the name of Jesus Christ.
Psalm 77 805
78
Part I
1 Hear my teaching, O my people;
incline your ears to the words of my mouth.
2 I will open my mouth in a parable;
I will declare the mysteries of ancient times.
3 That which we have heard and known,
and what our forefathers have told us, *
we will not hide from their children.
4 We will recount to generations to come
the praiseworthy deeds and the power of the Lord, *
and the wonderful works he has done.
5 He gave his decrees to Jacob
and established a law for Israel, *
which he commanded them to teach their children;
6 That the generations to come might know,
and the children yet unborn;
that they in their turn might tell it to their children;
7 So that they might put their trust in God, *
and not forget the deeds of God,
but keep his commandments;
8 And not be like their forefathers,
a stubborn and rebellious generation, *
a generation whose heart was not steadfast,
and whose spirit was not faithful to God.
9 The people of Ephraim, armed with the bow, *

turned back in the day of battle;
10 They did not keep the covenant of God, *
and refused to walk in his law;
11 They forgot what he had done, *
and the wonders he had shown them.
806 Psalm 78
12 He worked marvels in the sight of their forefathers, *
in the land of Egypt, in the field of Zoan.
13 He split open the sea and let them pass through; *
he made the waters stand up like walls.
14 He led them with a cloud by day, *
and all the night through with a glow of fire.
15 He split the hard rocks in the wilderness *
and gave them drink as from the great deep.
16 He brought streams out of the cliff, *
and the waters gushed out like rivers.
17 But they went on sinning against him, *
rebelling in the desert against the Most High.
18 They tested God in their hearts, *

demanding food for their craving.
19 They railed against God and said, *
“Can God set a table in the wilderness?
20 True, he struck the rock, the waters gushed out, and the
gullies overflowed; *
but is he able to give bread
or to provide meat for his people?”
21 When the Lord heard this, he was full of wrath; *
a fire was kindled against Jacob,
and his anger mounted against Israel;
22 For they had no faith in God, *
nor did they put their trust in his saving power.
23 So he commanded the clouds above *
and opened the doors of heaven.
24 He rained down manna upon them to eat *
and gave them grain from heaven.
25 So mortals ate the bread of angels; *
he provided for them food enough.
26 He caused the east wind to blow in the heavens *
and led out the south wind by his might.
Psalm 78 807
27 He rained down flesh upon them like dust *
and winged birds like the sand of the sea.
28 He let it fall in the midst of their camp *
and round about their dwellings.
29 So they ate and were well filled, *
for he gave them what they craved.
30 But they did not stop their craving, *

though the food was still in their mouths.
31 So God’s anger mounted against them; *
he slew their strongest men
and laid low the youth of Israel.
32 In spite of all this, they went on sinning *
and had no faith in his wonderful works.
33 So he brought their days to an end like a breath *
and their years in sudden terror.
34 Whenever he slew them, they would seek him, *
and repent, and diligently search for God.
35 They would remember that God was their rock, *
and the Most High God their redeemer.
36 But they flattered him with their mouths *
and lied to him with their tongues.
37 Their heart was not steadfast toward him, *
and they were not faithful to his covenant.
38 But he was so merciful that he forgave their sins
and did not destroy them; *
many times he held back his anger
and did not permit his wrath to be roused.
39 For he remembered that they were but flesh, *
a breath that goes forth and does not return.
808 Psalm 78
78
Part II
40 How often the people disobeyed him in the wilderness *
and offended him in the desert!
41 Again and again they tempted God *
and provoked the Holy One of Israel.
42 They did not remember his power *
in the day when he ransomed them from the enemy;
43 How he wrought his signs in Egypt *
and his omens in the field of Zoan.
44 He turned their rivers into blood, *
so that they could not drink of their streams.
45 He sent swarms of flies among them, which ate them up, *
and frogs, which destroyed them.
46 He gave their crops to the caterpillar, *
the fruit of their toil to the locust.
47 He killed their vines with hail *
and their sycamores with frost.
48 He delivered their cattle to hailstones *
and their livestock to hot thunderbolts.
49 He poured out upon them his blazing anger: *
fury, indignation, and distress,
a troop of destroying angels.
50 He gave full rein to his anger;
he did not spare their souls from death; *
but delivered their lives to the plague.
51 He struck down all the firstborn of Egypt, *
the flower of manhood in the dwellings of Ham.
52 He led out his people like sheep *
and guided them in the wilderness like a flock.
53 He led them to safety, and they were not afraid; *
but the sea overwhelmed their enemies.
Psalm 78 809
54 He brought them to his holy land, *
the mountain his right hand had won.
55 He drove out the Canaanites before them
and apportioned an inheritance to them by lot;
he made the tribes of Israel to dwell in their tents.
56 But they tested the Most High God, and defied him, *
and did not keep his commandments.
57 They turned away and were disloyal like their fathers;
they were undependable like a warped bow.
58 They grieved him with their hill-altars *
and provoked his displeasure with their idols.
59 When God heard this, he was angry *
and utterly rejected Israel.
60 He forsook the shrine at Shiloh, *
the tabernacle where he had lived among his people.
61 He delivered the ark into captivity, *
his glory into the adversary’s hand.
62 He gave his people to the sword *
and was angered against his inheritance.
63 The fire consumed their young men; *
there were no wedding songs for their maidens.
64 Their priests fell by the sword, *
and their widows made no lamentation.
65 Then the Lord woke as though from sleep, *

like a warrior refreshed with wine.
66 He struck his enemies on the backside *
and put them to perpetual shame.
67 He rejected the tent of Joseph *
and did not choose the tribe of Ephraim;
68 He chose instead the tribe of Judah *
and Mount Zion, which he loved.
810 Psalm 78
69 He built his sanctuary like the heights of heaven, *
like the earth which he founded for ever.
70 He chose David his servant, *
and took him away from the sheepfolds.
71 He brought him from following the ewes, *
to be a shepherd over Jacob his people
and over Israel his inheritance.
72 So he shepherded them with a faithful and true heart *
and guided them with the skilfulness of his hands.
God of pilgrims, strengthen our faith, we pray. Guide us
through the uncertainties of our journey, and hold before us
the vision of your eternal kingdom, made known to us in Jesus
Christ our Lord.
79
1 O God, the heathen have come into your inheritance;
they have profaned your holy temple; *
they have made Jerusalem a heap of rubble.
2 They have given the bodies of your servants as food for
the birds of the air, *
and the flesh of your faithful ones to the beasts
of the field.
3 They have shed their blood like water on every side
of Jerusalem, *
and there was no one to bury them.
4 We have become a reproach to our neighbours, *
an object of scorn and derision to those around us.
5 How long will you be angry, O Lord? *
will your fury blaze like fire for ever?
6 Pour out your wrath upon the heathen who have not
known you *
and upon the kingdoms that have not called upon
your name.
Psalm 79 811
7 For they have devoured Jacob *
and made his dwelling a ruin.
8 Remember not our past sins;
let your compassion be swift to meet us; *
for we have been brought very low.
9 Help us, O God our Saviour, for the glory of your name; *
deliver us and forgive us our sins, for your name’s sake.
10 Why should the heathen say, ”Where is their God?” *
Let it be known among the heathen and in our sight
that you avenge the shedding of your servants’ blood.
11 Let the sorrowful sighing of the prisoners come before you, *
and by your great might spare those who are
condemned to die.
12 May the revilings with which they reviled you, O Lord, *
return seven-fold into their bosoms.
13 For we are your people and the sheep of your pasture; *
we will give you thanks for ever
and show forth your praise from age to age.
Gracious God, in times of sorrow and depression, when hope

itself seems lost, help us to remember the transforming power
of your steadfast love and to give thanks for that new life we
cannot now imagine. We ask this in the name of Jesus Christ
our Saviour.
80
1 Hear, O Shepherd of Israel, leading Joseph like a flock; *
shine forth, you that are enthroned upon the cherubim.
2 In the presence of Ephraim, Benjamin, and Manasseh, *
stir up your strength and come to help us.
3 Restore us, O God of hosts; *
show the light of your countenance, and we shall be saved.
812 Psalm 80
4 O Lord God of hosts, *
how long will you be angered
despite the prayers of your people?
5 You have fed them with the bread of tears; *
you have given them bowls of tears to drink.
6 You have made us the derision of our neighbours, *
and our enemies laugh us to scorn.
7 Restore us, O God of hosts; *
8 You have brought a vine out of Egypt; *

you cast out the nations and planted it.
9 You prepared the ground for it; *
it took root and filled the land.
10 The mountains were covered by its shadow *
and the towering cedar trees by its boughs.
11 You stretched out its tendrils to the Sea *
and its branches to the River.
12 Why have you broken down its wall, *
so that all who pass by pluck off its grapes?
13 The wild boar of the forest has ravaged it, *
and the beasts of the field have grazed upon it.
14 Turn now, O God of hosts, look down from heaven;
behold and tend this vine; *
preserve what your right hand has planted.
15 They burn it with fire like rubbish; *
at the rebuke of your countenance let them perish.
16 Let your hand be upon the man of your right hand, *
the son of man you have made so strong for yourself.
17 And so will we never turn away from you; *
give us life, that we may call upon your name.
18 Restore us, O Lord God of hosts; *
Psalm 80 813
Glory to you, Lord Jesus Christ, our good shepherd; you have
led us to the kingdom of your Father’s love. Forgive our
careless indifference to your loving care for all your creatures,
and remake us in the likeness of your new and risen life. We
ask this in your name.
81
1 Sing with joy to God our strength *
and raise a loud shout to the God of Jacob.
2 Raise a song and sound the timbrel, *
the merry harp, and the lyre.
3 Blow the ram’s-horn at the new moon, *
and at the full moon, the day of our feast.
4 For this is a statute for Israel, *
a law of the God of Jacob.
5 He laid it as a solemn charge upon Joseph, *
when he came out of the land of Egypt.
6 I heard an unfamiliar voice saying, *
“I eased his shoulder from the burden;
his hands were set free from bearing the load.”
7 You called on me in trouble, and I saved you; *
I answered you from the secret place of thunder
and tested you at the waters of Meribah.
8 Hear, O my people, and I will admonish you: *
O Israel, if you would but listen to me!
9 There shall be no strange god among you; *
you shall not worship a foreign god.
10 I am the Lord your God,
who brought you out of the land of Egypt and said, *
“Open your mouth wide, and I will fill it.”
11 And yet my people did not hear my voice, *
and Israel would not obey me.
12 So I gave them over to the stubbornness of their hearts, *
to follow their own devices.
814 Psalm 81
13 Oh, that my people would listen to me! *
that Israel would walk in my ways!
14 I should soon subdue their enemies *
and turn my hand against their foes.
15 Those who hate the Lord would cringe before him, *
and their punishment would last for ever.
16 But Israel would I feed with the finest wheat *
and satisfy him with honey from the rock.
Father, forgive our foolish ways, and feed us always with that
living bread which is given for the life of the world, your Son
Jesus Christ our Lord
82
1 God takes his stand in the council of heaven; *
he gives judgement in the midst of the gods:
2 “How long will you judge unjustly, *
and show favour to the wicked?
3 Save the weak and the orphan; *
defend the humble and needy;
4 Rescue the weak and the poor; *
deliver them from the power of the wicked.
5 They do not know, neither do they understand;
they go about in darkness; *
all the foundations of the earth are shaken.
6 Now I say to you, ‘You are gods, *
and all of you children of the Most High;
7 Nevertheless, you shall die like mortals, *
and fall like any prince.’”
8 Arise, O God, and rule the earth, *
for you shall take all nations for your own.
Psalm 82 815
Strength of the weak, Defender of the needy, Rescuer of the
poor, deliver us from the power of wickedness, that we may
rejoice in your justice now and forever, through Jesus Christ
our Lord.
83
1 O God, do not be silent; *
do not keep still nor hold your peace, O God;
2 For your enemies are in tumult, *
and those who hate you have lifted up their heads.
3 They take secret counsel against your people *
and plot against those whom you protect.
4 They have said, ”Come, let us wipe them out from among
the nations; *
let the name of Israel be remembered no more.”
5 They have conspired together; *
they have made an alliance against you:
6 The tents of Edom and the Ishmaelites; *
the Moabites and the Hagarenes;
7 Gebal, and Ammon, and Amalek; *
the Philistines and those who dwell in Tyre.
8 The Assyrians also have joined them, *
and have come to help the people of Lot.
9 Do to them as you did to Midian, *
to Sisera, and to Jabin at the river of Kishon:
10 They were destroyed at Endor; *
they became like dung upon the ground.
11 Make their leaders like Oreb and Zeëb, *
and all their commanders like Zebah and Zalmunna,
12 Who said, ”Let us take for ourselves *
the fields of God as our possession.”
13 O my God, make them like whirling dust *
and like chaff before the wind;
14 Like fire that burns down a forest, *
like the flame that sets mountains ablaze.
816 Psalm 83
15 Drive them with your tempest *
and terrify them with your storm;
16 Cover their faces with shame, O Lord, *
that they may seek your name.
17 Let them be disgraced and terrified for ever; *
let them be put to confusion and perish.
18 Let them know that you, whose name is Yahweh, *
you alone are the Most High over all the earth.
Lord, dispel from us the error of pride and the illusions of
greatness, and help us to abandon every vice and stand in awe
of you, for you alone are the Most High over all the world now
and for ever.
84
1 How dear to me is your dwelling, O Lord of hosts! *
My soul has a desire and longing for the courts of
the Lord;
my heart and my flesh rejoice in the living God.
2 The sparrow has found her a house
and the swallow a nest where she may lay her young; *
by the side of your altars, O Lord of hosts,
my King and my God.
3 Happy are they who dwell in your house! *
they will always be praising you.
4 Happy are the people whose strength is in you! *
whose hearts are set on the pilgrims’ way.
5 Those who go through the desolate valley will find
it a place of springs, *
for the early rains have covered it with pools of water.
6 They will climb from height to height, *
and the God of gods will reveal himself in Zion.
7 Lord God of hosts, hear my prayer; *
hearken, O God of Jacob.
Psalm 84 817
8 Behold our defender, O God; *
and look upon the face of your anointed.
9 For one day in your courts is better than
a thousand in my own room, *
and to stand at the threshold of the house of my God
than to dwell in the tents of the wicked.
10 For the Lord God is both sun and shield; *
he will give grace and glory;
11 No good thing will the Lord withhold *
from those who walk with integrity.
12 O Lord of hosts, *
happy are they who put their trust in you!
God of pilgrims, teach us to recognize your dwelling-place in
the love, generosity, and support of those with whom we
share our journey, and help us to worship you in our response
to those who need our care; for all the world is your temple
and every human heart is a sign of your presence, made
known to us in Jesus Christ our Lord.
85
1 You have been gracious to your land, O Lord, *
you have restored the good fortune of Jacob.
2 You have forgiven the iniquity of your people *
and blotted out all their sins.
3 You have withdrawn all your fury *
and turned yourself from your wrathful indignation.
4 Restore us then, O God our Saviour; *
let your anger depart from us.
5 Will you be displeased with us for ever? *
will you prolong your anger from age to age?
6 Will you not give us life again, *
that your people may rejoice in you?
818 Psalm 85
7 Show us your mercy, O Lord, *
and grant us your salvation.
8 I will listen to what the Lord God is saying, *
for he is speaking peace to his faithful people
and to those who turn their hearts to him.
9 Truly, his salvation is very near to those who fear him, *
that his glory may dwell in our land.
10 Mercy and truth have met together; *
righteousness and peace have kissed each other.
11 Truth shall spring up from the earth, *
and righteousness shall look down from heaven.
12 The Lord will indeed grant prosperity, *
and our land will yield its increase.
13 Righteousness shall go before him, *
and peace shall be a pathway for his feet.
God of grace, you loved the world so much that you gave your
only Son to be our Saviour. Help us to rejoice in our salvation
by showing mercy and truth, and by walking in the way of
righteousness and peace. We ask this in his name and for his sake.
86
1 Bow down your ear, O Lord, and answer me, *
for I am poor and in misery.
2 Keep watch over my life, for I am faithful; *
save your servant who puts his trust in you.
3 Be merciful to me, O Lord, for you are my God; *
I call upon you all the day long.
4 Gladden the soul of your servant, *
for to you, O Lord, I lift up my soul.
5 For you, O Lord, are good and forgiving, *
and great is your love toward all who call upon you.
Psalm 86 819
6 Give ear, O Lord, to my prayer, *
and attend to the voice of my supplications.
7 In the time of my trouble I will call upon you, *
for you will answer me.
8 Among the gods there is none like you, O Lord, *
nor anything like your works.
9 All nations you have made will come and
worship you, O Lord, *
and glorify your name.
10 For you are great;
you do wondrous things; *
and you alone are God.
11 Teach me your way, O Lord,
and I will walk in your truth; *
knit my heart to you that I may fear your name.
12 I will thank you, O Lord my God, with all my heart, *
and glorify your name for evermore.
13 For great is your love toward me; *
you have delivered me from the nethermost Pit.
14 The arrogant rise up against me, O God,
and a band of violent men seeks my life; *
they have not set you before their eyes.
15 But you, O Lord, are gracious and full of compassion, *
slow to anger, and full of kindness and truth.
16 Turn to me and have mercy upon me; *
give your strength to your servant;
and save the child of your handmaid.
17 Show me a sign of your favour,
so that those who hate me may see it and be ashamed; *
because you, O Lord, have helped me and comforted me.
God of mercy, fill us with the love of your name, and help
us to proclaim you before the world, that all peoples may
celebrate your glory in Jesus Christ our Lord.
820 Psalm 86
87
1 On the holy mountain stands the city he has founded; *
the Lord loves the gates of Zion
more than all the dwellings of Jacob.
2 Glorious things are spoken of you, *
O city of our God.
3 I count Egypt and Babylon among those who know me; *
behold Philistia, Tyre, and Ethiopia:
in Zion were they born.
4 Of Zion it shall be said, ”Everyone was born in her, *
and the Most High himself shall sustain her.”
5 The Lord will record as he enrolls the peoples, *
“These also were born there.”
6 The singers and the dancers will say, *
“All my fresh springs are in you.”
God of eternal light, open our eyes to the vision of your holy
city coming down from heaven; make our hearts sensitive to
your presence, and our wills eager to join in the comfort and
healing you bring to all the world. We ask this in the name of
88
1 O Lord, my God, my Saviour, *
by day and night I cry to you.
2 Let my prayer enter into your presence; *
incline your ear to my lamentation.
3 For I am full of trouble; *
my life is at the brink of the grave.
4 I am counted among those who go down to the Pit; *
I have become like one who has no strength;
5 Lost among the dead, *
like the slain who lie in the grave,
Psalms 87, 88 821

6 Whom you remember no more, *
for they are cut off from your hand.
7 You have laid me in the depths of the Pit, *
in dark places, and in the abyss.
8 Your anger weighs upon me heavily, *
and all your great waves overwhelm me.
9 You have put my friends far from me;
you have made me to be abhorred by them; *
I am in prison and cannot get free.
10 My sight has failed me because of trouble; *
Lord, I have called upon you daily;
I have stretched out my hands to you.
11 Do you work wonders for the dead? *
will those who have died stand up and give you thanks?
12 Will your loving-kindness be declared in the grave? *
your faithfulness in the land of destruction?
13 Will your wonders be known in the dark? *
or your righteousness in the country where all
is forgotten?
14 But as for me, O Lord, I cry to you for help; *
in the morning my prayer comes before you.
15 Lord, why have you rejected me? *
why have you hidden your face from me?
16 Ever since my youth, I have been wretched and at the
point of death; *
I have borne your terrors with a troubled mind.
17 Your blazing anger has swept over me; *
your terrors have destroyed me;
18 They surround me all day long like a flood; *
they encompass me on every side.
19 My friend and my neighbour you have put away from me, *
and darkness is my only companion.
822 Psalm 88
O Lord, when we are plunged into the darkness of despair,
make known to us the wonders of your grace, for you alone are
God and from you comes all our help and strength. We ask this
in the name of Jesus Christ.
89
Part I
1 Your love, O Lord, for ever will I sing; *
from age to age my mouth will proclaim your faithfulness.
2 For I am persuaded that your love is established for ever; *
you have set your faithfulness firmly in the heavens.
3 “I have made a covenant with my chosen one; *
I have sworn an oath to David my servant:
4 ‘I will establish your line for ever, *
and preserve your throne for all generations.’”
5 The heavens bear witness to your wonders, O Lord, *
and to your faithfulness in the assembly of the holy ones;
6 For who in the skies can be compared to the Lord? *
who is like the Lord among the gods?
7 God is much to be feared in the council of the holy ones, *
great and terrible to all those round about him.
8 Who is like you, Lord God of hosts? *
O mighty Lord, your faithfulness is all around you.
9 You rule the raging of the sea *
and still the surging of its waves.
10 You have crushed Rahab of the deep with a deadly wound; *
you have scattered your enemies with your mighty arm.
11 Yours are the heavens; the earth also is yours; *
you laid the foundations of the world and all that is in it.
12 You have made the north and the south; *
Tabor and Hermon rejoice in your name.
13 You have a mighty arm; *
strong is your hand and high is your right hand.
Psalm 89 823
14 Righteousness and justice are the foundations of
your throne;*
love and truth go before your face.
15 Happy are the people who know the festal shout! *
they walk, O Lord, in the light of your presence.
16 They rejoice daily in your name; *
they are jubilant in your righteousness.
17 For you are the glory of their strength, *
and by your favour our might is exalted.
18 Truly, the Lord is our ruler; *
the Holy One of Israel is our king.
89
Part II
19 You spoke once in a vision and said to your faithful people: *
“I have set the crown upon a warrior
and have exalted one chosen out of the people.
20 I have found David my servant; *
with my holy oil have I anointed him.
21 My hand will hold him fast *
and my arm will make him strong.
22 No enemy shall deceive him, *
nor any wicked man bring him down.
23 I will crush his foes before him *
and strike down those who hate him.
24 My faithfulness and love shall be with him, *
and he shall be victorious through my name.
25 I shall make his dominion extend *
from the Great Sea to the River.
26 He will say to me, ’You are my Father, *
my God, and the rock of my salvation’
27 I will make him my firstborn *
and higher than the kings of the earth.
824 Psalm 89
28 I will keep my love for him for ever, *
and my covenant will stand firm for him.
29 I will establish his line for ever *
and his throne as the days of heaven.
30 If his children forsake my law *
and do not walk according to my judgements;
31 If they break my statutes *
and do not keep my commandments;
32 I will punish their transgressions with a rod *
and their iniquities with the lash;
33 But I will not take my love from him, *
nor let my faithfulness prove false.
34 I will not break my covenant, *
nor change what has gone out of my lips.
35 Once for all I have sworn by my holiness: *
‘I will not lie to David.
36 His line shall endure for ever *
and his throne as the sun before me;
37 It shall stand fast for evermore like the moon, *
the abiding witness in the sky.’”
38 But you have cast off and rejected your anointed; *

you have become enraged at him.
39 You have broken your covenant with your servant, *
defiled his crown, and hurled it to the ground.
40 You have breached all his walls *
and laid his strongholds in ruins.
41 All who pass by despoil him; *
he has become the scorn of his neighbours.
42 You have exalted the right hand of his foes *
and made all his enemies rejoice.
43 You have turned back the edge of his sword *
and have not sustained him in battle.
Psalm 89 825
44 You have put an end to his splendour *
and cast his throne to the ground.
45 You have cut short the days of his youth *
and have covered him with shame.
46 How long will you hide yourself, O Lord?
will you hide yourself for ever? *
how long will your anger burn like fire?
47 Remember, Lord, how short life is, *
how frail you have made all flesh.
48 Who can live and not see death? *
who can save himself from the power of the grave?
49 Where, Lord, are your loving-kindnesses of old, *
which you promised David in your faithfulness?
50 Remember, Lord, how your servant is mocked, *
how I carry in my bosom the taunts of many peoples,
51 The taunts your enemies have hurled, O Lord, *
which they hurled at the heels of your anointed.
52 Blessed be the Lord for evermore! *

Amen, I say, Amen.
Remember us, gracious God, when we cannot see your way

and purpose, and renew in us the joy of your kingdom of light
and life. We ask this in the name of Jesus Christ the Lord.
Book Four
90
1 Lord, you have been our refuge *
from one generation to another.
2 Before the mountains were brought forth,
or the land and the earth were born, *
from age to age you are God.
3 You turn us back to the dust and say, *
“Go back, O child of earth.”
826 Psalm 90
4 For a thousand years in your sight are like yesterday
when it is past *
and like a watch in the night.
5 You sweep us away like a dream; *
we fade away suddenly like the grass.
6 In the morning it is green and flourishes; *
in the evening it is dried up and withered.
7 For we consume away in your displeasure; *
we are afraid because of your wrathful indignation.
8 Our iniquities you have set before you, *
and our secret sins in the light of your countenance.
9 When you are angry, all our days are gone; *
we bring our years to an end like a sigh.
10 The span of our life is seventy years,
perhaps in strength even eighty; *
yet the sum of them is but labour and sorrow,
for they pass away quickly and we are gone.
11 Who regards the power of your wrath? *
who rightly fears your indignation?
12 So teach us to number our days *
that we may apply our hearts to wisdom.
13 Return, O Lord; how long will you tarry? *

be gracious to your servants.
14 Satisfy us by your loving-kindness in the morning; *
so shall we rejoice and be glad all the days of our life.
15 Make us glad by the measure of the days that you
afflicted us *
and the years in which we suffered adversity.
16 Show your servants your works *
and your splendour to their children.
17 May the graciousness of the Lord our God be upon us; *
prosper the work of our hands;
prosper our handiwork.
Psalm 90 827
Eternal Father of our mortal race, in Jesus Christ your grace has
come upon us. For his sake, prosper the work of our hands
until he returns to gladden our hearts forever.
91
1 He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High, *
abides under the shadow of the Almighty.
2 He shall say to the Lord,
“You are my refuge and my stronghold, *
my God in whom I put my trust.”
3 He shall deliver you from the snare of the hunter *
and from the deadly pestilence.
4 He shall cover you with his pinions,
and you shall find refuge under his wings; *
his faithfulness shall be a shield and buckler.
5 You shall not be afraid of any terror by night, *
nor of the arrow that flies by day;
6 Of the plague that stalks in the darkness, *
nor of the sickness that lays waste at mid-day.
7 A thousand shall fall at your side
and ten thousand at your right hand, *
but it shall not come near you.
8 Your eyes have only to behold *
to see the reward of the wicked.
9 Because you have made the Lord your refuge, *
and the Most High your habitation.
10 There shall no evil happen to you, *
neither shall any plague come near your dwelling.
11 For he shall give his angels charge over you, *
to keep you in all your ways.
12 They shall bear you in their hands, *
lest you dash your foot against a stone.
828 Psalm 91
13 You shall tread upon the lion and adder; *
you shall trample the young lion and the serpent
under your feet.
14 Because he is bound to me in love,
therefore will I deliver him; *
I will protect him, because he knows my name.
15 He shall call upon me, and I will answer him; *
I am with him in trouble;
I will rescue him and bring him to honour.
16 With long life will I satisfy him, *
and show him my salvation.
Gracious God, in times of anxiety and stress, teach us to wait
in quietness for your protection and defence, made known to
us in Jesus Christ our Lord.
92
1 It is a good thing to give thanks to the Lord, *
and to sing praises to your name, O Most High;
2 To tell of your loving-kindness early in the morning *
and of your faithfulness in the night season;
3 On the psaltery, and on the lyre, *
and to the melody of the harp.
4 For you have made me glad by your acts, O Lord; *
and I shout for joy because of the works of your hands.
5 Lord, how great are your works! *
your thoughts are very deep.
6 The dullard does not know,
nor does the fool understand, *
that though the wicked grow like weeds,
and all the workers of iniquity flourish,
7 They flourish only to be destroyed for ever; *
but you, O Lord, are exalted for evermore.
Psalm 92 829
8 For lo, your enemies, O Lord,
lo, your enemies shall perish, *
and all the workers of iniquity shall be scattered.
9 But my horn you have exalted like the horns of wild bulls; *
I am anointed with fresh oil.
10 My eyes also gloat over my enemies, *
and my ears rejoice to hear the doom of the wicked who
rise up against me.
11 The righteous shall flourish like a palm tree, *
and shall spread abroad like a cedar of Lebanon.
12 Those who are planted in the house of the Lord *
shall flourish in the courts of our God;
13 They shall still bear fruit in old age; *
they shall be green and succulent;
14 That they may show how upright the Lord is, *
my rock, in whom there is no fault.
O Most High, at all times and in all seasons you are worthy
of our grateful praise; grant us the insight to perceive the
greatness of your works, the certainty of being founded on you
our eternal rock, and the wisdom to sing the praises of your
name, in and through Jesus Christ our Lord.
93
1 The Lord is king;
he has put on splendid apparel; *
the Lord has put on his apparel
and girded himself with strength.
2 He has made the whole world so sure *
that it cannot be moved;
3 Ever since the world began, your throne has
been established; *
you are from everlasting.
830 Psalm 93
4 The waters have lifted up, O Lord,
the waters have lifted up their voice; *
the waters have lifted up their pounding waves.
5 Mightier than the sound of many waters,
mightier than the breakers of the sea, *
mightier is the Lord who dwells on high.
6 Your testimonies are very sure, *
and holiness adorns your house, O Lord,
for ever and for evermore.
Blessed are you, Lord God, king of the universe; in awe and
wonder we bow before the mystery of your power and might,
for you are Lord for ever and ever.
94
1 O Lord God of vengeance, *
O God of vengeance, show yourself.
2 Rise up, O Judge of the world; *
give the arrogant their just deserts.
3 How long shall the wicked, O Lord, *
how long shall the wicked triumph?
4 They bluster in their insolence; *
all evildoers are full of boasting.
5 They crush your people, O Lord, *
and afflict your chosen nation.
6 They murder the widow and the stranger *
and put the orphans to death.
7 Yet they say, ”The Lord does not see, *
the God of Jacob takes no notice.”
8 Consider well, you dullards among the people; *
when will you fools understand?
9 He that planted the ear, does he not hear? *
he that formed the eye, does he not see?
Psalm 94 831
10 He who admonishes the nations, will he not punish? *
he who teaches all the world, has he no knowledge?
11 The Lord knows our human thoughts; *
how like a puff of wind they are.
12 Happy are they whom you instruct, O Lord! *
whom you teach out of your law;
13 To give them rest in evil days, *
until a pit is dug for the wicked.
14 For the Lord will not abandon his people, *
nor will he forsake his own.
15 For judgement will again be just, *
and all the true of heart will follow it.
16 Who rose up for me against the wicked? *
who took my part against the evildoers?
17 If the Lord had not come to my help, *
I should soon have dwelt in the land of silence.
18 As often as I said, ”My foot has slipped,” *
your love, O Lord, upheld me.
19 When many cares fill my mind, *
your consolations cheer my soul.
20 Can a corrupt tribunal have any part with you, *
one which frames evil into law?
21 They conspire against the life of the just *
and condemn the innocent to death.
22 But the Lord has become my stronghold, *
and my God the rock of my trust.
23 He will turn their wickedness back upon them
and destroy them in their own malice; *
the Lord our God will destroy them.
O just Judge of all the world, when the dark power of evil
threatens your creation, may we, through your strength within
us, maintain the sure knowledge of your love and mercy,
which we see in your Son Jesus Christ our Lord.
832 Psalm 94
95
1 Come, let us sing to the Lord; *
let us shout for joy to the rock of our salvation.
2 Let us come before his presence with thanksgiving *
and raise a loud shout to him with psalms.
3 For the Lord is a great God, *
and a great king above all gods.
4 In his hand are the caverns of the earth, *
and the heights of the hills are his also.
5 The sea is his, for he made it, *
and his hands have molded the dry land.
6 Come, let us bow down, and bend the knee, *
and kneel before the Lord our Maker.
7 For he is our God,
and we are the people of his pasture and the
sheep of his hand. *
Oh, that today you would hearken to his voice!
8 Harden not your hearts,

as your forebears did in the wilderness, *
at Meribah, and on that day at Massah,
when they tempted me.
9 They put me to the test, *
though they had seen my works.
10 Forty years long I detested that generation and said, *
“This people are wayward in their hearts;
they do not know my ways.”
11 So I swore in my wrath, *
“They shall not enter into my rest.”
Creator of all, we give you thanks for a world full of wonder,
but above all because you have called us into a holy fellowship
with you and with each other. Guide us in the ways of this your
new creation, rooted and grounded in Jesus Christ our Lord.
Psalm 95 833
96
1 Sing to the Lord a new song; *
sing to the Lord, all the whole earth.
2 Sing to the Lord and bless his name; *
proclaim the good news of his salvation from day to day.
3 Declare his glory among the nations *
and his wonders among all peoples.
4 For great is the Lord and greatly to be praised; *
he is more to be feared than all gods.
5 As for all the gods of the nations, they are but idols; *
but it is the Lord who made the heavens.
6 Oh, the majesty and magnificence of his presence! *
Oh, the power and the splendour of his sanctuary!
7 Ascribe to the Lord, you families of the peoples; *
ascribe to the Lord honour and power.
8 Ascribe to the Lord the honour due his name; *
bring offerings and come into his courts.
9 Worship the Lord in the beauty of holiness; *
let the whole earth tremble before him.
10 Tell it out among the nations: “The Lord is king! *
he has made the world so firm that it cannot be moved;
he will judge the peoples with equity.”
11 Let the heavens rejoice, and let the earth be glad;
let the sea thunder and all that is in it; *
let the field be joyful and all that is therein.
12 Then shall all the trees of the wood shout for joy
before the Lord when he comes, *
when he comes to judge the earth.
13 He will judge the world with righteousness *
and the peoples with his truth.
We worship you, God of glory, in the beauty of holiness, and
we joyfully proclaim your just and righteous rule, established
for all, through your Son Jesus Christ the Lord.
834 Psalm 96
97
1 The Lord is king;
let the earth rejoice; *
let the multitude of the isles be glad.
2 Clouds and darkness are round about him, *
righteousness and justice are the foundations of his throne.
3 A fire goes before him *
and burns up his enemies on every side.
4 His lightnings light up the world; *
the earth sees it and is afraid.
5 The mountains melt like wax at the presence of the Lord, *
at the presence of the Lord of the whole earth.
6 The heavens declare his righteousness, *
and all the peoples see his glory.
7 Confounded be all who worship carved images
and delight in false gods! *
Bow down before him, all you gods.
8 Zion hears and is glad, and the cities of Judah rejoice, *
because of your judgements, O Lord.
9 For you are the Lord,
most high over all the earth; *
you are exalted far above all gods.
10 The Lord loves those who hate evil; *
he preserves the lives of his saints
and delivers them from the hand of the wicked.
11 Light has sprung up for the righteous, *
and joyful gladness for those who are truehearted.
12 Rejoice in the Lord, you righteous, *
and give thanks to his holy name.
Almighty God, your whole creation declares your glory. May
we perceive you in all your works and live in the light of your
righteousness, through him who is the light of the world, Jesus
Christ our Lord.
Psalm 97 835
98
1 Sing to the Lord a new song, *
for he has done marvellous things.
2 With his right hand and his holy arm *
has he won for himself the victory.
3 The Lord has made known his victory; *
his righteousness has he openly shown in
the sight of the nations.
4 He remembers his mercy and faithfulness to
the house of Israel, *
and all the ends of the earth have seen the
victory of our God.
5 Shout with joy to the Lord, all you lands; *
lift up your voice, rejoice, and sing.
6 Sing to the Lord with the harp, *
with the harp and the voice of song.
7 With trumpets and the sound of the horn *
shout with joy before the King, the Lord.
8 Let the sea make a noise and all that is in it, *
the lands and those who dwell therein.
9 Let the rivers clap their hands, *
and let the hills ring out with joy before the Lord,
when he comes to judge the earth.
10 In righteousness shall he judge the world *
and the peoples with equity.
Lord God, we see your righteous rule in all your works, and
we join our voices with the song of your whole creation in
praising you, in and through Jesus Christ our Saviour.
836 Psalm 98
99
1 The Lord is king;
let the people tremble; *
he is enthroned upon the Cherubim;
let the earth shake.
2 The Lord is great in Zion; *
he is high above all peoples.
3 Let them confess his name, which is great and awesome; *
he is the Holy One.
4 “O mighty King, lover of justice,
you have established equity; *
you have executed justice and righteousness in Jacob.”
5 Proclaim the greatness of the Lord our God
and fall down before his footstool; *
he is the Holy One.
6 Moses and Aaron among his priests,
and Samuel among those who call upon his name, *
they called upon the Lord, and he answered them.
7 He spoke to them out of the pillar of cloud; *
they kept his testimonies and the decree that he gave them.
8 “O Lord our God, you answered them indeed; *
you were a God who forgave them,
yet punished them for their evil deeds.”
9 Proclaim the greatness of the Lord our God
and worship him upon his holy hill; *
for the Lord our God is the Holy One.
Lord our God, ruler of the universe, you love what is right.
Lead us in your righteousness, that we may live to praise you,
Psalm 99 837
100
1 Be joyful in the Lord, all you lands; *
serve the Lord with gladness
and come before his presence with a song.
2 Know this: The Lord himself is God; *
he himself has made us, and we are his;
we are his people and the sheep of his pasture.
3 Enter his gates with thanksgiving;
go into his courts with praise; *
give thanks to him and call upon his name.
4 For the Lord is good;
his mercy is everlasting; *
and his faithfulness endures from age to age.
God our Father, you have created us as your people, and you
sustain us with your hand. Help us always to give you thanks,
for you alone are worthy of thanksgiving and praise and
honour, now and for ever.
101
1 I will sing of mercy and justice; *
to you, O Lord, will I sing praises.
2 I will strive to follow a blameless course;
oh, when will you come to me? *
I will walk with sincerity of heart within my house.
3 I will set no worthless thing before my eyes; *
I hate the doers of evil deeds;
they shall not remain with me.
4 A crooked heart shall be far from me; *
I will not know evil.
5 Those who in secret slander their neighbours I will destroy; *
those who have a haughty look and a proud
heart I cannot abide.
838 Psalms 100, 101

6 My eyes are upon the faithful in the land, that they may
dwell with me, *
and only those who lead a blameless life shall
be my servants.
7 Those who act deceitfully shall not dwell in my house, *
and those who tell lies shall not continue in my sight.
8 I will soon destroy all the wicked in the land, *
that I may root out all evildoers from the city of the Lord.
Loving God, help us to love what is truly perfect, so that we may
neither speak what is evil nor do what is wrong. Then bring us to
stand in your presence, to sing of your mercy and justice in the
company of all your saints, through Jesus Christ our Saviour.
102
1 Lord, hear my prayer, and let my cry come before you; *
hide not your face from me in the day of my trouble.
2 Incline your ear to me; *
when I call, make haste to answer me,
3 For my days drift away like smoke, *
and my bones are hot as burning coals.
4 My heart is smitten like grass and withered, *
so that I forget to eat my bread.
5 Because of the voice of my groaning *
I am but skin and bones.
6 I have become like a vulture in the wilderness, *
like an owl among the ruins.
7 I lie awake and groan; *
I am like a sparrow, lonely on a house-top.
8 My enemies revile me all day long, *
and those who scoff at me have taken an oath against me.
9 For I have eaten ashes for bread *
and mingled my drink with weeping.
Psalm 102 839

10 Because of your indignation and wrath *
you have lifted me up and thrown me away.
11 My days pass away like a shadow, *
and I wither like the grass.
12 But you, O Lord, endure for ever, *
and your name from age to age.
13 You will arise and have compassion on Zion,
for it is time to have mercy upon her; *
indeed, the appointed time has come.
14 For your servants love her very rubble, *
and are moved to pity even for her dust.
15 The nations shall fear your name, O Lord, *
and all the kings of the earth your glory.
16 For the Lord will build up Zion, *
and his glory will appear.
17 He will look with favour on the prayer of the homeless; *
he will not despise their plea.
18 Let this be written for a future generation, *
so that a people yet unborn may praise the Lord.
19 For the Lord looked down from his holy place on high; *
from the heavens he beheld the earth;
20 That he might hear the groan of the captive *
and set free those condemned to die;
21 That they may declare in Zion the name of the Lord, *
and his praise in Jerusalem;
22 When the peoples are gathered together, *
and the kingdoms also, to serve the Lord.
23 He has brought down my strength before my time; *
he has shortened the number of my days;
24 And I said, ”O my God,
do not take me away in the midst of my days; *
your years endure throughout all generations.
840 Psalm 102

25 In the beginning, O Lord, you laid the foundations
of the earth, *
and the heavens are the work of your hands;
26 They shall perish, but you will endure;
they all shall wear out like a garment; *
as clothing you will change them,
and they shall be changed;
27 But you are always the same, *
and your years will never end.
28 The children of your servants shall continue, *
and their offspring shall stand fast in your sight”
God of unchanging mercy, look with compassion upon all
who-suffer: the sick and the friendless, the homeless and the
captive, the weary and the depressed. Be present to them in
the power of your healing love; give them health, comfort, and
hope; and bring them to share in the life of your risen Son, our
Saviour Jesus Christ.
103
1 Bless the Lord, O my soul, *
and all that is within me, bless his holy name.
2 Bless the Lord, O my soul, *
and forget not all his benefits.
3 He forgives all your sins *
and heals all your infirmities;
4 He redeems your life from the grave *
and crowns you with mercy and loving-kindness;
5 He satisfies you with good things, *
and your youth is renewed like an eagle’s.
6 The Lord executes righteousness *
and judgement for all who are oppressed.
7 He made his ways known to Moses *
and his works to the children of Israel.
Psalm 103 841

8 The Lord is full of compassion and mercy, *
9 He will not always accuse us, *
nor will he keep his anger for ever.
10 He has not dealt with us according to our sins, *
nor rewarded us according to our wickedness.
11 For as the heavens are high above the earth, *
so is his mercy great upon those who fear him.
12 As far as the east is from the west, *
so far has he removed our sins from us.
13 As a father cares for his children, *
14 For he himself knows whereof we are made; *
he remembers that we are but dust.
15 Our days are like the grass; *
we flourish like a flower of the field;
16 When the wind goes over it, it is gone, *
and its place shall know it no more.
17 But the merciful goodness of the Lord endures for ever
on those who fear him, *
and his righteousness on children’s children;
18 On those who keep his covenant *
and remember his commandments and do them.
19 The Lord has set his throne in heaven, *
and his kingship has dominion over all.
20 Bless the Lord, you angels of his,
you mighty ones who do his bidding, *
and hearken to the voice of his word.
21 Bless the Lord, all you his hosts, *
you ministers of his who do his will.
22 Bless the Lord, all you works of his,
in all places of his dominion; *
bless the Lord, O my soul.
842 Psalm 103

God of infinite mercy and forgiveness, by the cross and
resurrection of Jesus your Son, wash away our sins and deliver
us from our infirmities of body and spirit, that we may live with
him his risen life, to the praise and glory of your holy name.
104
1 Bless the Lord, O my soul; *
O Lord my God, how excellent is your greatness!
you are clothed with majesty and splendour.
2 You wrap yourself with light as with a cloak *
and spread out the heavens like a curtain.
3 You lay the beams of your chambers in the waters above; *
you make the clouds your chariot;
you ride on the wings of the wind.
4 You make the winds your messengers *
and flames of fire your servants.
5 You have set the earth upon its foundations, *
so that it never shall move at any time.
6 You covered it with the deep as with a mantle; *
the waters stood higher than the mountains.
7 At your rebuke they fled; *
at the voice of your thunder they hastened away.
8 They went up into the hills and down to the valleys beneath, *
to the places you had appointed for them.
9 You set the limits that they should not pass; *
they shall not again cover the earth.
10 You send the springs into the valleys; *
they flow between the mountains.
11 All the beasts of the field drink their fill from them, *
and the wild asses quench their thirst.
12 Beside them the birds of the air make their nests *
and sing among the branches.
13 You water the mountains from your dwelling on high; *
the earth is fully satisfied by the fruit of your works.
Psalm 104 843

14 You make grass grow for flocks and herds *
and plants to serve mankind;
15 That they may bring forth food from the earth, *
and wine to gladden our hearts,
16 Oil to make a cheerful countenance, *
and bread to strengthen the heart.
17 The trees of the Lord are full of sap, *
the cedars of Lebanon which he planted,
18 In which the birds build their nests, *
and in whose tops the stork makes his dwelling.
19 The high hills are a refuge for the mountain goats, *
and the stony cliffs for the rock badgers.
20 You appointed the moon to mark the seasons, *
and the sun knows the time of its setting.
21 You make darkness that it may be night, *
in which all the beasts of the forest prowl.
22 The lions roar after their prey *
and seek their food from God.
23 The sun rises, and they slip away *
and lay themselves down in their dens.
24 Man goes forth to his work *
and to his labour until the evening.
25 O Lord, how manifold are your works! *

in wisdom you have made them all;
the earth is full of your creatures.
26 Yonder is the great and wide sea
with its living things too many to number, *
creatures both small and great.
27 There move the ships,
and there is that Leviathan, *
which you have made for the sport of it.
28 All of them look to you *
to give them their food in due season.
844 Psalm 104

29 You give it to them; they gather it; *
you open your hand, and they are filled with good things.
30 You hide your face, and they are terrified; *
you take away their breath,
and they die and return to their dust.
31 You send forth your Spirit, and they are created; *
and so you renew the face of the earth.
32 May the glory of the Lord endure for ever; *
may the Lord rejoice in all his works.
33 He looks at the earth and it trembles; *
he touches the mountains and they smoke.
34 I will sing to the Lord as long as I live; *
I will praise my God while I have my being.
35 May these words of mine please him; *
I will rejoice in the Lord.
36 Let sinners be consumed out of the earth, *
and the wicked be no more.
37 Bless the Lord, O my soul. *
Hallelujah!
O God of eternal light, heaven and earth are the work of your
hands, and all creation sings your praise and beauty. As in the
beginning, by your Spirit, you gave life and order to all that is,
so by the same Spirit redeem us and all things, through Christ
our Lord.
105
Part I
1 Give thanks to the Lord and call upon his name; *
make known his deeds among the peoples.
2 Sing to him, sing praises to him, *
and speak of all his marvellous works.
3 Glory in his holy name; *
let the hearts of those who seek the Lord rejoice.
Psalm 105 845

4 Search for the Lord and his strength; *
continually seek his face.
5 Remember the marvels he has done, *
his wonders and the judgements of his mouth,
6 O offspring of Abraham his servant, *
O children of Jacob his chosen.
7 He is the Lord our God; *
his judgements prevail in all the world.
8 He has always been mindful of his covenant, *
the promise he made for a thousand generations:
9 The covenant he made with Abraham, *
the oath that he swore to Isaac,
10 Which he established as a statute for Jacob, *
an everlasting covenant for Israel,
11 Saying, ”To you will I give the land of Canaan *
to be your allotted inheritance.”
12 When they were few in number, *
of little account, and sojourners in the land,
13 Wandering from nation to nation *
and from one kingdom to another,
14 He let no one oppress them *
and rebuked kings for their sake,
15 Saying, ”Do not touch my anointed *
and do my prophets no harm.”
16 Then he called for a famine in the land *

and destroyed the supply of bread.
17 He sent a man before them, *
Joseph, who was sold as a slave
18 They bruised his feet in fetters; *
his neck they put in an iron collar.
19 Until his prediction came to pass, *
the word of the Lord tested him.
846 Psalm 105

20 The king sent and released him; *
the ruler of the peoples set him free.
21 He set him as master over his household, *
as a ruler over all his possessions,
22 To instruct his princes according to his will *
And to teach his elders wisdom.
105
Part II
23 Israel came into Egypt, *
and Jacob became a sojourner in the land of Ham.
24 The Lord made his people exceedingly fruitful; *
he made them stronger than their enemies;
25 Whose heart he turned, so that they hated his people, *
and dealt unjustly with his servants.
26 He sent Moses his servant, *
and Aaron whom he had chosen.
27 They worked his signs among them, *
and portents in the land of Ham.
28 He sent darkness, and it grew dark; *
but the Egyptians rebelled against his words.
29 He turned their waters into blood *
and caused their fish to die.
30 Their land was overrun by frogs, *
in the very chambers of their kings.
31 He spoke, and there came swarms of insects *
and gnats within all their borders.
32 He gave them hailstones instead of rain, *
and flames of fire throughout their land.
33 He blasted their vines and their fig trees *
and shattered every tree in their country.
Psalm 105 847

34 He spoke, and the locust came, *
and young locusts without number,
35 Which ate up all the green plants in their land *
and devoured the fruit of their soil.
36 He struck down the firstborn of their land, *
the firstfruits of all their strength.
37 He led out his people with silver and gold; *

in all their tribes there was not one that stumbled.
38 Egypt was glad of their going, *
because they were afraid of them.
39 He spread out a cloud for a covering *
and a fire to give light in the night season.
40 They asked, and quails appeared, *
and he satisfied them with bread from heaven.
41 He opened the rock, and water flowed, *
so the river ran in the dry places.
42 For God remembered his holy word *
and Abraham his servant.
43 So he led forth his people with gladness, *
his chosen with shouts of joy.
44 He gave his people the lands of the nations, *
and they took the fruit of others’ toil,
45 That they might keep his statutes *
and observe his laws.
Hallelujah!
God of our salvation, through the death and resurrection of
Jesus Christ, you have fulfilled your promise to our ancestors
in the faith to redeem the world from slavery and to lead us
into the promised land. Grant us living water from the rock and
bread from heaven, that we may survive our desert pilgrimage
and praise you for ever, through Jesus Christ our Redeemer.
848 Psalm 105

106
Part I
1 Hallelujah!
Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good, *
for his mercy endures for ever.
2 Who can declare the mighty acts of the Lord *
or show forth all his praise?
3 Happy are those who act with justice *
and always do what is right!
4 Remember me, O Lord, with the favour you have
for your people, *
and visit me with your saving help;
5 That I may see the prosperity of your elect
and be glad with the gladness of your people, *
that I may glory with your inheritance.
6 We have sinned as our forebears did; *

we have done wrong and dealt wickedly.
7 In Egypt they did not consider your marvellous works,
nor remember the abundance of your love; *
they defied the Most High at the Red Sea.
8 But he saved them for his name’s sake, *
to make his power known.
9 He rebuked the Red Sea, and it dried up, *
and he led them through the deep as through a desert.
10 He saved them from the hand of those who hated them *
and redeemed them from the hand of the enemy.
11 The waters covered their oppressors; *
not one of them was left.
12 Then they believed his words *
and sang him songs of praise.
13 But they soon forgot his deeds *

and did not wait for his counsel.
Psalm 106 849

14 A craving seized them in the wilderness, *
and they put God to the test in the desert.
15 He gave them what they asked, *
but sent leanness into their soul.
16 They envied Moses in the camp, *
and Aaron, the holy one of the Lord.
17 The earth opened and swallowed Dathan *
and covered the company of Abiram.
18 Fire blazed up against their company, *
and flames devoured the wicked.
106
Part II
19 Israel made a bull-calf at Horeb *
and worshipped a molten image;
20 And so they exchanged their Glory *
for the image of an ox that feeds on grass.
21 They forgot God their saviour, *
who had done great things in Egypt,
22 Wonderful deeds in the land of Ham, *
and fearful things at the Red Sea.
23 So he would have destroyed them,
had not Moses his chosen stood before him in the breach, *
to turn away his wrath from consuming them.
24 They refused the pleasant land *
and would not believe his promise.
25 They grumbled in their tents *
and would not listen to the voice of the Lord.
26 So he lifted his hand against them, *
to overthrow them in the wilderness,
27 To cast out their seed among the nations, *
and to scatter them throughout the lands.
850 Psalm 106

28 They joined themselves to Baal-Peor *
and ate sacrifices offered to the dead.
29 They provoked him to anger with their actions, *
and a plague broke out among them.
30 Then Phinehas stood up and interceded, *
and the plague came to an end.
31 This was reckoned to him as righteousness *
throughout all generations for ever.
32 Again they provoked his anger at the waters of Meribah, *
so that he punished Moses because of them;
33 For they so embittered his spirit *
that he spoke rash words with his lips.
34 They did not destroy the peoples *

as the Lord had commanded them.
35 They intermingled with the heathen *
and learned their pagan ways,
36 So that they worshipped their idols, *
which became a snare to them.
37 They sacrificed their sons *
and their daughters to evil spirits.
38 They shed innocent blood,
the blood of their sons and daughters, *
which they offered to the idols of Canaan,
and the land was defiled with blood.
39 Thus they were polluted by their actions *
and went whoring in their evil deeds.
40 Therefore the wrath of the Lord was kindled against
his people *
and he abhorred his inheritance.
41 He gave them over to the hand of the heathen, *
and those who hated them ruled over them.
42 Their enemies oppressed them, *
and they were humbled under their hand.
Psalm 106 851

43 Many a time did he deliver them,
but they rebelled through their own devices, *
and were brought down in their iniquity.
44 Nevertheless, he saw their distress, *
when he heard their lamentation.
45 He remembered his covenant with them *
and relented in accordance with his great mercy.
46 He caused them to be pitied *
by those who held them captive.
47 Save us, O Lord our God,
and gather us from among the nations, *
that we may give thanks to your holy name
and glory in your praise.
48 Blessed be the Lord, the God of Israel,

from everlasting and to everlasting; *
and let all the people say, ”Amen!”
Hallelujah!
God our Father, remembering your covenant you graciously
pardoned those who rebelled against you. Grant that where
sin abounds, grace may abound more, through Jesus Christ
our Lord.
Book Five
107
Part I
1 Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good, *
and his mercy endures for ever.
2 Let all those whom the Lord has redeemed proclaim *
that he redeemed them from the hand of the foe.
3 He gathered them out of the lands; *
from the east and from the west,
from the north and from the south.
852 Psalm 107

4 Some wandered in desert wastes; *
they found no way to a city where they might dwell.
5 They were hungry and thirsty; *
their spirits languished within them.
6 Then they cried to the Lord in their trouble, *
and he delivered them from their distress.
7 He put their feet on a straight path *
to go to a city where they might dwell.
8 Let them give thanks to the Lord for his mercy *
and the wonders he does for his children.
9 For he satisfies the thirsty *
and fills the hungry with good things.
10 Some sat in darkness and deep gloom, *
bound fast in misery and iron;
11 Because they rebelled against the words of God *
and despised the counsel of the Most High.
12 So he humbled their spirits with hard labour; *
they stumbled, and there was none to help.
14 He led them out of darkness and deep gloom *
and broke their bonds asunder.
16 For he shatters the doors of bronze *
and breaks in two the iron bars.
17 Some were fools and took to rebellious ways; *

they were afflicted because of their sins.
18 They abhorred all manner of food *
and drew near to death’s door.
Psalm 107 853

20 He sent forth his word and healed them *
and saved them from the grave.
22 Let them offer a sacrifice of thanksgiving *
and tell of his acts with shouts of joy.
23 Some went down to the sea in ships *
and plied their trade in deep waters;
24 They beheld the works of the Lord *
and his wonders in the deep.
25 Then he spoke, and a stormy wind arose, *
which tossed high the waves of the sea.
26 They mounted up to the heavens and fell back to the depths; *
their hearts melted because of their peril.
27 They reeled and staggered like drunkards *
and were at their wits’ end.
29 He stilled the storm to a whisper *
and quieted the waves of the sea.
30 Then were they glad because of the calm, *
and he brought them to the harbour they were bound for.
32 Let them exalt him in the congregation of the people *
and praise him in the council of the elders.
107
Part II
33 The Lord changed rivers into deserts, *
and water-springs into thirsty ground,
34 A fruitful land into salt flats, *
because of the wickedness of those who dwell there.
854 Psalm 107

35 He changed deserts into pools of water *
and dry land into water-springs.
36 He settled the hungry there, *
and they founded a city to dwell in.
37 They sowed fields, and planted vineyards, *
and brought in a fruitful harvest.
38 He blessed them, so that they increased greatly; *
he did not let their herds decrease.
39 Yet when they were diminished and brought low, *
through stress of adversity and sorrow,
40 (He pours contempt on princes *
and makes them wander in trackless wastes)
41 He lifted up the poor out of misery *
and multiplied their families like flocks of sheep.
42 The upright will see this and rejoice, *
but all wickedness will shut its mouth.
43 Whoever is wise will ponder these things, *
and consider well the mercies of the Lord.
O God, the divine seeker, you are light to the lost, bread to the
hungry, deliverance to the captive, healing to the sick, eternal
vision to the dying, and harbour to every soul in peril. Gather
the wanderers from every corner of the world into the
community of your mercy and grace, that we may eternally
praise you for our salvation in Jesus Christ our Lord.
108
1 My heart is firmly fixed, O God, my heart is fixed; *
I will sing and make melody.
2 Wake up, my spirit;
awake, lute and harp; *
I myself will waken the dawn.
3 I will confess you among the peoples, O Lord; *
I will sing praises to you among the nations.
Psalm 108 855

4 For your loving-kindness is greater than the heavens, *
and your faithfulness reaches to the clouds.
6 So that those who are dear to you may be delivered, *
save with your right hand and answer me.
7 God spoke from his holy place and said, *

“I will exult and parcel out Shechem;
I will divide the valley of Succoth.
8 Gilead is mine and Manasseh is mine; *
Ephraim is my helmet and Judah my sceptre.
9 Moab is my washbasin,
on Edom I throw down my sandal to claim it, *
and over Philistia will I shout in triumph.”
10 Who will lead me into the strong city? *
who will bring me into Edom?
11 Have you not cast us off, O God? *
you no longer go out, O God, with our armies.
12 Grant us your help against the enemy, *
for vain is the help of man.
13 With God we will do valiant deeds, *
and he shall tread our enemies under foot.
O God, your love is wider than all the universe and your mercy
greater than the heights of heaven. When we are tempted to
break faith with you, put a new song of love on our lips, that
we may sing your praises to all nations on earth, through your
Son, our only hope and defence.
109
1 Hold not your tongue, O God of my praise; *
for the mouth of the wicked,
the mouth of the deceitful, is opened against me.
856 Psalm 109

2 They speak to me with a lying tongue; *
they encompass me with hateful words
and fight against me without a cause.
3 Despite my love, they accuse me; *
but as for me, I pray for them.
4 They repay evil for good, *
and hatred for my love.
5 Set a wicked man against him, *

and let an accuser stand at his right hand.
6 When he is judged, let him be found guilty, *
and let his appeal be in vain.
7 Let his days be few, *
and let another take his office.
8 Let his children be fatherless, *
and his wife become a widow.
9 Let his children be waifs and beggars; *
let them be driven from the ruins of their homes.
10 Let the creditor seize everything he has; *
let strangers plunder his gains.
11 Let there be no one to show him kindness, *
and none to pity his fatherless children.
12 Let his descendants be destroyed, *
and his name be blotted out in the next generation.
13 Let the wickedness of his fathers be remembered before
the Lord, *
and his mother’s sin not be blotted out;
14 Let their sin be always before the Lord; *
but let him root out their names from the earth;
15 Because he did not remember to show mercy, *
but persecuted the poor and needy
and sought to kill the brokenhearted.
Psalm 109 857

16 He loved cursing,
let it come upon him; *
he took no delight in blessing,
let it depart from him.
17 He put on cursing like a garment, *
let it soak into his body like water
and into his bones like oil;
18 Let it be to him like the cloak which he
wraps around himself, *
and like the belt that he wears continually.
19 Let this be the recompense from the Lord to my accusers, *
and to those who speak evil against me.
20 But you, O Lord my God,

oh, deal with me according to your name; *
for your tender mercy’s sake, deliver me.
21 For I am poor and needy, *
and my heart is wounded within me.
22 I have faded away like a shadow when it lengthens; *
I am shaken off like a locust.
23 My knees are weak through fasting, *
and my flesh is wasted and gaunt.
24 I have become a reproach to them; *
they see and shake their heads.
25 Help me, O Lord my God; *
save me for your mercy’s sake.
26 Let them know that this is your hand, *
that you, O Lord, have done it.
27 They may curse, but you will bless; *
let those who rise up against me be put to shame,
and your servant will rejoice.
28 Let my accusers be clothed with disgrace *
and wrap themselves in their shame as in a cloak.
858 Psalm 109

29 I will give great thanks to the Lord with my mouth; *
in the midst of the multitude will I praise him;
30 Because he stands at the right hand of the needy, *
to save his life from those who would condemn him.
God, source of all truth and love, the comfort and consolation
of the reproached and friendless, in your great mercy draw
near to deliver the poor, the needy, and the wounded of heart;
through the one who suffered rejection and rebuke for us all,
110
1 The Lord said to my lord, ”Sit at my right hand, *
until I make your enemies your footstool”
2 The Lord will send the sceptre of your power out of Zion, *
saying, ”Rule over your enemies round about you.
3 Princely state has been yours from the day of your birth, *
in the beauty of holiness have I begotten you,
like dew from the womb of the morning.”
4 The Lord has sworn and he will not recant: *
”You are a priest for ever after the order of Melchizedek.”
5 The Lord who is at your right hand
will smite kings in the day of his wrath; *
he will rule over the nations.
6 He will heap high the corpses; *
he will smash heads over the wide earth.
7 He will drink from the brook beside the road; *
therefore he will lift high his head.
Jesus Christ, King of kings and Lord of lords, born as a man,
exalted now on high, priest of the new covenant, judge who
will come at the end of time, glory to you for ever and ever.
Psalm 110 859

111
1 Hallelujah!
I will give thanks to the Lord with my whole heart, *
in the assembly of the upright, in the congregation.
2 Great are the deeds of the Lord! *
they are studied by all who delight in them.
3 His work is full of majesty and splendour, *
and his righteousness endures for ever.
4 He makes his marvellous works to be remembered; *
the Lord is gracious and full of compassion.
5 He gives food to those who fear him; *
he is ever mindful of his covenant.
6 He has shown his people the power of his works *
in giving them the lands of the nations.
7 The works of his hands are faithfulness and justice; *
all his commandments are sure.
8 They stand fast for ever and ever, *
because they are done in truth and equity.
9 He sent redemption to his people;
he commanded his covenant for ever; *
holy and awesome is his name.
10 The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom; *
those who act accordingly have a good understanding;
his praise endures for ever.
Generous and bountiful God, give us grace always to thank
you and share your gifts with others, that the world may be
filled with the joy of our Saviour Jesus Christ.
112
1 Hallelujah!
Happy are they who fear the Lord *
and have great delight in his commandments!
860 Psalms 111, 112

2 Their descendants will be mighty in the land; *
the generation of the upright will be blessed.
3 Wealth and riches will be in their house, *
and their righteousness will last for ever.
4 Light shines in the darkness for the upright; *
the righteous are merciful and full of compassion.
5 It is good for them to be generous in lending *
and to manage their affairs with justice.
6 For they will never be shaken; *
the righteous will be kept in everlasting remembrance.
7 They will not be afraid of any evil rumours; *
their heart is right;
they put their trust in the Lord.
8 Their heart is established and will not shrink, *
until they see their desire upon their enemies.
9 They have given freely to the poor, *
and their righteousness stands fast for ever;
they will hold up their head with honour.
10 The wicked will see it and be angry;
they will gnash their teeth and pine away; *
the desires of the wicked will perish.
God of light, teach us to love each other as you love us, that
we may bring peace and joy to the world, and rejoice in the
kingdom of your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord.
113
1 Hallelujah!
Give praise, you servants of the Lord; *
praise the name of the Lord.
2 Let the name of the Lord be blessed, *
3 From the rising of the sun to its going down *
let the name of the Lord be praised.
Psalm 113 861

4 The Lord is high above all nations, *
and his glory above the heavens.
5 Who is like the Lord our God, who sits enthroned on high, *
but stoops to behold the heavens and the earth?
6 He takes up the weak out of the dust *
and lifts up the poor from the ashes.
7 He sets them with the princes, *
with the princes of his people.
8 He makes the woman of a childless house *
to be a joyful mother of children.
We magnify your name, O Lord, in all times and places. You
subdue the arrogant and raise the humble; you feed the
hungry and reveal the poverty of wealth. We give thanks for
your salvation, made known in Jesus Christ our Lord.
114
1 Hallelujah!
When Israel came out of Egypt, *
the house of Jacob from a people of strange speech,
2 Judah became God’s sanctuary *
and Israel his dominion.
3 The sea beheld it and fled; *
Jordan turned and went back.
4 The mountains skipped like rams, *
and the little hills like young sheep.
5 What ailed you, O sea, that you fled? *
O Jordan, that you turned back?
6 You mountains, that you skipped like rams? *
you little hills like young sheep?
7 Tremble, O earth, at the presence of the Lord, *
at the presence of the God of Jacob.
8 Who turned the hard rock into a pool of water *
and flint-stone into a flowing spring.
862 Psalm 114

Source of all life, you have brought us to new being through
the waters of baptism. May your love shown in our lives
become a wonder and a beacon of hope to the whole human
family. We ask this in the name of Jesus Christ the Lord.
115
1 Not to us, O Lord, not to us,
but to your name give glory; *
because of your love and because of your faithfulness.
2 Why should the heathen say, *
”Where then is their God?”
3 Our God is in heaven; *
whatever he wills to do he does.
4 Their idols are silver and gold, *
the work of human hands.
5 They have mouths, but they cannot speak; *
eyes have they, but they cannot see;
6 They have ears, but they cannot hear; *
noses, but they cannot smell;
7 They have hands, but they cannot feel;
feet, but they cannot walk; *
they make no sound with their throat.
8 Those who make them are like them, *
and so are all who put their trust in them.
9 O Israel, trust in the Lord; *
he is their help and their shield.
10 O house of Aaron, trust in the Lord; *
11 You who fear the Lord, trust in the Lord; *
12 The Lord has been mindful of us, and he will bless us; *
he will bless the house of Israel;
he will bless the house of Aaron;
Psalm 115 863

13 He will bless those who fear the Lord, *
both small and great together.
14 May the Lord increase you more and more, *
you and your children after you.
15 May you be blessed by the Lord, *
16 The heaven of heavens is the Lord’s, *
but he entrusted the earth to its peoples.
17 The dead do not praise the Lord, *
nor all those who go down into silence;
18 But we will bless the Lord, *
Hallelujah!
God, you delivered Israel from the worship of false gods.
Redeem, we pray, your people in every age from the pursuit
of all that is worthless and untrue in human life; through Jesus
our Saviour, who came to bring us life in all its fullness.
116
1 I love the Lord, because he has heard the voice of
my supplication, *
because he has inclined his ear to me whenever
I called upon him.
2 The cords of death entangled me;
the grip of the grave took hold of me; *
I came to grief and sorrow.
3 Then I called upon the name of the Lord: *
“O Lord, I pray you, save my life.”
4 Gracious is the Lord and righteous; *
our God is full of compassion.
5 The Lord watches over the innocent; *
I was brought very low, and he helped me.
864 Psalm 116

6 Turn again to your rest, O my soul, *
for the Lord has treated you well.
7 For you have rescued my life from death, *
my eyes from tears, and my feet from stumbling.
8 I will walk in the presence of the Lord *
in the land of the living.
9 I believed, even when I said,
”I have been brought very low” *
In my distress I said, ”No one can be trusted.”
10 How shall I repay the Lord *
for all the good things he has done for me?
11 I will lift up the cup of salvation *
and call upon the name of the Lord.
12 I will fulfil my vows to the Lord *
in the presence of all his people.
13 Precious in the sight of the Lord *
is the death of his servants.
14 O Lord, I am your servant; *
I am your servant and the child of your handmaid;
you have freed me from my bonds.
15 I will offer you the sacrifice of thanksgiving *
and call upon the name of the Lord.
16 I will fulfil my vows to the Lord *
in the presence of all his people.
17 In the courts of the Lord’s house, *
in the midst of you, O Jerusalem.
Hallelujah!
Eternal God, faithful in your tender compassion, you give us
hope for our life here and hereafter through the victory of your
only Son. When we share his cup of salvation, revive in us the
joy of this everlasting gift. We ask his in his name.
Psalm 116 865

117
1 Praise the Lord, all you nations; *
laud him, all you peoples.
2 For his loving-kindness toward us is great, *
and the faithfulness of the Lord endures for ever.
Hallelujah!
Faithful God, your loving kindness for all people is revealed in
Jesus Christ. Let your kingdom come now in peace and justice
in all the world. We ask this in his name.
118
1 Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; *
2 Let Israel now proclaim, *
3 Let the house of Aaron now proclaim, *
4 Let those who fear the Lord now proclaim, *
5 I called to the Lord in my distress; *
the Lord answered by setting me free.
6 The Lord is at my side, therefore I will not fear; *
what can anyone do to me?
7 The Lord is at my side to help me; *
I will triumph over those who hate me.
8 It is better to rely on the Lord *
than to put any trust in flesh.
9 It is better to rely on the Lord *
than to put any trust in rulers.
10 All the ungodly encompass me; *
in the name of the Lord I will repel them.
866 Psalms 117, 118

11 They hem me in, they hem me in on every side; *
12 They swarm about me like bees;
they blaze like a fire of thorns; *
13 I was pressed so hard that I almost fell, *
but the Lord came to my help.
14 The Lord is my strength and my song, *

and he has become my salvation.
15 There is a sound of exultation and victory *
in the tents of the righteous:
16 ”The right hand of the Lord has triumphed! *
the right hand of the Lord is exalted!
the right hand of the Lord has triumphed!”
17 I shall not die, but live, *
and declare the works of the Lord.
18 The Lord has punished me sorely, *
but he did not hand me over to death.
19 Open for me the gates of righteousness; *

I will enter them;
I will offer thanks to the Lord.
20 ”This is the gate of the Lord; *
he who is righteous may enter.”
21 I will give thanks to you, for you answered me *
and have become my salvation.
22 The same stone which the builders rejected *
has become the chief cornerstone.
23 This is the Lord’s doing, *
and it is marvellous in our eyes.
24 On this day the Lord has acted; *
we will rejoice and be glad in it.
Psalm 118 867

25 Hosannah, Lord, hosannah! *
Lord, send us now success.
26 Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord; *
we bless you from the house of the Lord.
27 God is the Lord; he has shined upon us; *
form a procession with branches up to the
horns of the altar.
28 ”You are my God, and I will thank you; *
you are my God, and I will exalt you.”
29 Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; *
Holy and mighty God, your Son’s triumph over sin and death
has opened to us the gate of eternal life. Purify our hearts that
we may follow where he has gone and share in the radiance of
his glory. We ask this for the sake of our risen Lord.
119
Aleph
1 Happy are they whose way is blameless, *
who walk in the law of the Lord!
2 Happy are they who observe his decrees *
and seek him with all their hearts!
3 Who never do any wrong, *
but always walk in his ways.
4 You laid down your commandments, *
that we should fully keep them.
5 Oh, that my ways were made so direct *
that I might keep your statutes!
6 Then I should not be put to shame, *
when I regard all your commandments.
7 I will thank you with an unfeigned heart, *
when I have learned your righteous judgements.
868 Psalm 119

8 I will keep your statutes; *
do not utterly forsake me.
Beth
9 How shall a young man cleanse his way? *
By keeping to your words.
10 With my whole heart I seek you; *
let me not stray from your commandments.
11 I treasure your promise in my heart, *
that I may not sin against you.
12 Blessed are you, O Lord; *
instruct me in your statutes.
13 With my lips will I recite *
all the judgements of your mouth.
14 I have taken greater delight in the way of your decrees *
than in all manner of riches.
15 I will meditate on your commandments *
and give attention to your ways.
16 My delight is in your statutes; *
I will not forget your word.
Gimel
17 Deal bountifully with your servant, *
that I may live and keep your word.
18 Open my eyes, that I may see *
the wonders of your law.
19 I am a stranger here on earth; *
do not hide your commandments from me.
20 My soul is consumed at all times *
with longing for your judgements.
21 You have rebuked the insolent; *
cursed are they who stray from your commandments!
Psalm 119 869

22 Turn from me shame and rebuke, *
for I have kept your decrees.
23 Even though rulers sit and plot against me, *
I will meditate on your statutes.
24 For your decrees are my delight, *
and they are my counsellors.
Daleth
25 My soul cleaves to the dust; *
give me life according to your word.
26 I have confessed my ways, and you answered me; *
27 Make me understand the way of your commandments, *
that I may meditate on your marvellous works.
28 My soul melts away for sorrow; *
strengthen me according to your word.
29 Take from me the way of lying; *
let me find grace through your law.
30 I have chosen the way of faithfulness; *
I have set your judgements before me.
31 I hold fast to your decrees; *
O Lord, let me not be put to shame.
32 I will run the way of your commandments, *
for you have set my heart at liberty.
He
33 Teach me, O Lord, the way of your statutes, *
and I shall keep it to the end.
34 Give me understanding, and I shall keep your law; *
I shall keep it with all my heart.
35 Make me go in the path of your commandments, *
for that is my desire.
870 Psalm 119

36 Incline my heart to your decrees *
and not to unjust gain.
37 Turn my eyes from watching what is worthless; *
give me life in your ways.
38 Fulfil your promise to your servant, *
which you make to those who fear you.
39 Turn away the reproach which I dread, *
because your judgements are good.
40 Behold, I long for your commandments; *
in your righteousness preserve my life.
Waw
41 Let your loving-kindness come to me, O Lord, *
and your salvation, according to your promise.
42 Then shall I have a word for those who taunt me, *
because I trust in your words.
43 Do not take the word of truth out of my mouth, *
for my hope is in your judgements.
44 I shall continue to keep your law; *
I shall keep it for ever and ever.
45 I will walk at liberty, *
because I study your commandments.
46 I will tell of your decrees before kings *
and will not be ashamed.
47 I delight in your commandments, *
which I have always loved.
48 I will lift up my hands to your commandments, *
and I will meditate on your statutes.
Zayin
49 Remember your word to your servant, *
because you have given me hope.
Psalm 119 871

50 This is my comfort in my trouble, *
that your promise gives me life.
51 The proud have derided me cruelly, *
but I have not turned from your law.
52 When I remember your judgements of old, *
O Lord, I take great comfort.
53 I am filled with a burning rage, *
because of the wicked who forsake your law.
54 Your statutes have been like songs to me
wherever I have lived as a stranger.
55 I remember your name in the night, O Lord, *
and dwell upon your law.
56 This is how it has been with me, *
because I have kept your commandments.
Heth
57 You only are my portion, O Lord; *
I have promised to keep your words.
58 I entreat you with all my heart, *
be merciful to me according to your promise.
59 I have considered my ways *
and turned my feet toward your decrees.
60 I hasten and do not tarry *
to keep your commandments.
61 Though the cords of the wicked entangle me, *
I do not forget your law.
62 At midnight I will rise to give you thanks, *
because of your righteous judgements.
63 I am a companion of all who fear you *
and of those who keep your commandments.
64 The earth, O Lord, is full of your love; *
872 Psalm 119

Teth
65 O Lord, you have dealt graciously with your servant, *
according to your word.
66 Teach me discernment and knowledge, *
for I have believed in your commandments.
67 Before I was afflicted I went astray, *
but now I keep your word.
68 You are good and you bring forth good; *
69 The proud have smeared me with lies, *
but I will keep your commandments with my whole heart.
70 Their heart is gross and fat, *
but my delight is in your law.
71 It is good for me that I have been afflicted, *
that I might learn your statutes.
72 The law of your mouth is dearer to me *
than thousands in gold and silver.
Yodh
73 Your hands have made me and fashioned me; *
give me understanding, that I may learn your
commandments.
74 Those who fear you will be glad when they see me, *
because I trust in your word.
75 I know, O Lord, that your judgements are right *
and that in faithfulness you have afflicted me.
76 Let your loving-kindness be my comfort *
as you have promised to your servant.
77 Let your compassion come to me, that I may live, *
for your law is my delight.
78 Let the arrogant be put to shame, for they wrong me
with lies; *
but I will meditate on your commandments.
Psalm 119 873

79 Let those who fear you turn to me, *
and also those who know your decrees.
80 Let my heart be sound in your statutes, *
that I may not be put to shame.
Kaph
81 My soul has longed for your salvation; *
I have put my hope in your word.
82 My eyes have failed from watching for your promise, *
and I say, ”When will you comfort me?”
83 I have become like a leather flask in the smoke, *
but I have not forgotten your statutes.
84 How much longer must I wait? *
when will you give judgement against those who
persecute me?
85 The proud have dug pits for me; *
they do not keep your law.
86 All your commandments are true; *
help me, for they persecute me with lies.
87 They had almost made an end of me on earth, *
but I have not forsaken your commandments.
88 In your loving-kindness, revive me, *
that I may keep the decrees of your mouth.
Lamedh
89 O Lord, your word is everlasting; *
it stands firm in the heavens.
90 Your faithfulness remains from one generation to another; *
you established the earth, and it abides.
91 By your decree these continue to this day, *
for all things are your servants.
92 If my delight had not been in your law, *
I should have perished in my affliction.
874 Psalm 119

93 I will never forget your commandments, *
because by them you give me life.
94 I am yours; oh, that you would save me! *
for I study your commandments.
95 Though the wicked lie in wait for me to destroy me, *
I will apply my mind to your decrees.
96 I see that all things come to an end, *
but your commandment has no bounds.
Mem
97 Oh, how I love your law! *
all the day long it is in my mind.
98 Your commandment has made me wiser than my enemies, *
and it is always with me.
99 I have more understanding than all my teachers, *
for your decrees are my study.
100 I am wiser than the elders, *
because I observe your commandments.
101 I restrain my feet from every evil way, *
that I may keep your word.
102 I do not shrink from your judgements, *
because you yourself have taught me.
103 How sweet are your words to my taste! *
they are sweeter than honey to my mouth.
104 Through your commandments I gain understanding; *
therefore I hate every lying way.
Nun
105 Your word is a lantern to my feet *
and a light upon my path.
106 I have sworn and am determined *
to keep your righteous judgements.
Psalm 119 875

107 I am deeply troubled; *
preserve my life, O Lord, according to your word.
108 Accept, O Lord, the willing tribute of my lips, *
and teach me your judgements.
109 My life is always in my hand, *
yet I do not forget your law.
110 The wicked have set a trap for me, *
but I have not strayed from your commandments.
111 Your decrees are my inheritance for ever; *
truly, they are the joy of my heart.
112 I have applied my heart to fulfil your statutes *
for ever and to the end.
Samekh
113 I hate those who have a divided heart, *
but your law do I love.
114 You are my refuge and shield; *
my hope is in your word.
115 Away from me, you wicked! *
I will keep the commandments of my God.
116 Sustain me according to your promise, that I may live, *
and let me not be disappointed in my hope.
117 Hold me up, and I shall be safe, *
and my delight shall be ever in your statutes.
118 You spurn all who stray from your statutes; *
their deceitfulness is in vain.
119 In your sight all the wicked of the earth are but dross; *
therefore I love your decrees.
120 My flesh trembles with dread of you; *
I am afraid of your judgements.
876 Psalm 119

Ayin
121 I have done what is just and right; *
do not deliver me to my oppressors.
122 Be surety for your servant’s good; *
let not the proud oppress me.
123 My eyes have failed from watching for your salvation *
and for your righteous promise.
124 Deal with your servant according to your
loving-kindness *
and teach me your statutes.
125 I am your servant; grant me understanding, *
that I may know your decrees.
126 It is time for you to act, O Lord, *
for they have broken your law.
127 Truly, I love your commandments *
more than gold and precious stones.
128 I hold all your commandments to be right for me; *
all paths of falsehood I abhor.
Pe
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.
Psalm 119 877

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.
878 Psalm 119

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.
Resh
153 Behold my affliction and deliver me, *
for I do not forget your law.
154 Plead my cause and redeem me; *
according to your promise, give me life.
155 Deliverance is far from the wicked, *
for they do not study your statutes.
156 Great is your compassion, O Lord; *
preserve my life, according to your judgements.
157 There are many who persecute and oppress me, *
yet I have not swerved from your decrees.
158 I look with loathing at the faithless, *
for they have not kept your word.
159 See how I love your commandments! *
O Lord, in your mercy, preserve me.
160 The heart of your word is truth; *
all your righteous judgements endure for evermore.
Shin
161 Rulers have persecuted me without a cause, *
but my heart stands in awe of your word.
162 I am as glad because of your promise *
as one who finds great spoils.
Psalm 119 879

163 As for lies, I hate and abhor them, *
but your law is my love.
164 Seven times a day do I praise you, *
because of your righteous judgements.
165 Great peace have they who love your law; *
for them there is no stumbling block.
166 I have hoped for your salvation, O Lord, *
and I have fulfilled your commandments.
167 I have kept your decrees *
and I have loved them deeply.
168 I have kept your commandments and decrees, *
for all my ways are before you.
Taw
169 Let my cry come before you, O Lord; *
give me understanding, according to your word.
170 Let my supplication come before you; *
deliver me, according to your promise.
171 My lips shall pour forth your praise, *
when you teach me your statutes.
172 My tongue shall sing of your promise, *
for all your commandments are righteous.
173 Let your hand be ready to help me, *
for I have chosen your commandments.
174 I long for your salvation, O Lord, *
and your law is my delight.
175 Let me live, and I will praise you, *
and let your judgements help me.
176 I have gone astray like a sheep that is lost; *
search for your servant,
for I do not forget your commandments.
880 Psalm 119

Lord, you are just and your commandments are eternal. Teach
us to love you with all our heart and to love our neighbour as
ourselves, for the sake of Jesus our Lord.
Or
God, as your only Son revealed you still at work in your creation,
so through Christ your living Word enable us to know your love
and to share it with others. We ask this in his name.
Or
As of old, O Lord our God, you gave commandments to make
one nation just and true, so by your incarnate Word you make
all peoples one in grace and in the perfect freedom of your
service. We give thanks to you through Jesus Christ our Lord.
120
1 When I was in trouble, I called to the Lord; *
I called to the Lord, and he answered me.
2 Deliver me, O Lord, from lying lips *
and from the deceitful tongue.
3 What shall be done to you, and what more besides, *
O you deceitful tongue?
4 The sharpened arrows of a warrior, *
along with hot glowing coals.
5 How hateful it is that I must lodge in Meshech *
and dwell among the tents of Kedar!
6 Too long have I had to live *
among the enemies of peace.
7 I am on the side of peace, *
but when I speak of it, they are for war.
Eternal Source of truth and peace, guard your people from the
folly of rash and slanderous speech, that the words of our
mouth may not cause hurt and rejection, but rather healing
and unity; through Christ our Lord.
Psalm 120 881

121
1 I lift up my eyes to the hills; *
from where is my help to come?
2 My help comes from the Lord, *
3 He will not let your foot be moved *
and he who watches over you will not fall asleep.
4 Behold, he who keeps watch over Israel *
shall neither slumber nor sleep;
5 The Lord himself watches over you; *
the Lord is your shade at your right hand,
6 So that the sun shall not strike you by day, *
nor the moon by night.
7 The Lord shall preserve you from all evil; *
it is he who shall keep you safe.
8 The Lord shall watch over your going out and
your coming in, *
Be present, merciful God, and protect us in times of danger,
so that we who are wearied by the changes and chances of
this life may rest in your eternal changelessness; through
122
1 I was glad when they said to me, *
”Let us go to the house of the Lord.”
2 Now our feet are standing *
within your gates, O Jerusalem.
3 Jerusalem is built as a city *
that is at unity with itself.
882 Psalms 121, 122

4 To which the tribes go up,
the tribes of the Lord, *
the assembly of Israel,
to praise the name of the Lord.
5 For there are the thrones of judgement, *
the thrones of the house of David.
6 Pray for the peace of Jerusalem: *
”May they prosper who love you.
7 Peace be within your walls *
and quietness within your towers.
8 For my brethren and companions’ sake, *
I pray for your prosperity.
9 Because of the house of the Lord our God, *
I will seek to do you good.”
Lord Jesus, give us the peace of the new Jerusalem. Bring all
nations into your kingdom to share your gifts, that they may
render thanks to you without end and may come to your
eternal city, where you live and reign with the Father and
the Holy Spirit, now and for ever.
123
1 To you I lift up my eyes, *
to you enthroned in the heavens.
2 As the eyes of servants look to the hand of their masters, *
and the eyes of a maid to the hand of her mistress,
3 So our eyes look to the Lord our God, *
until he show us his mercy.
4 Have mercy upon us, O Lord, have mercy, *
for we have had more than enough of contempt,
5 Too much of the scorn of the indolent rich, *
and of the derision of the proud.
Psalm 123 883

King of love, rule in the hearts of all people on earth through
your Son Jesus Christ, that we may become one family and one
kingdom serving you by serving each other. We ask this in his
name.
124
1 If the Lord had not been on our side, *
let Israel now say;
2 If the Lord had not been on our side, *
when enemies rose up against us;
3 Then would they have swallowed us up alive *
in their fierce anger toward us;
4 Then would the waters have overwhelmed us *
and the torrent gone over us;
5 Then would the raging waters *
have gone right over us.
6 Blessed be the Lord! *
he has not given us over to be a prey for their teeth.
7 We have escaped like a bird from the snare of the fowler; *
the snare is broken, and we have escaped.
8 Our help is in the name of the Lord, *
Helper and Defender of Israel, rescue the peoples of the world
from destructive anger, and set us free to love and serve each
other in the peace of Christ our Lord.
125
1 Those who trust in the Lord are like Mount Zion, *
which cannot be moved, but stands fast for ever.
2 The hills stand about Jerusalem; *
so does the Lord stand round about his people,
884 Psalms 124, 125

3 The sceptre of the wicked shall not hold sway over the
land allotted to the just, *
so that the just shall not put their hands to evil.
4 Show your goodness, O Lord, to those who are good *
and to those who are true of heart.
5 As for those who turn aside to crooked ways,
the Lord will lead them away with the evildoers; *
but peace be upon Israel.
Lord, surround your people with your presence. Do not let

us stretch out our hands to evil deeds, or be destroyed by the
snares of the enemy, but bring us to share the land prepared
for the saints in light, where you live and reign, God, now and
forever.
126
1 When the Lord restored the fortunes of Zion, *
then were we like those who dream.
2 Then was our mouth filled with laughter, *
and our tongue with shouts of joy.
3 Then they said among the nations, *
”The Lord has done great things for them.”
4 The Lord has done great things for us, *
and we are glad indeed.
5 Restore our fortunes, O Lord, *
like the watercourses of the Negev.
6 Those who sowed with tears *
will reap with songs of joy.
7 Those who go out weeping, carrying the seed, *
will come again with joy, shouldering their sheaves.
Praise to you, God of our salvation. Your generous gifts surpass
all that we can ask or imagine. You have delivered us from
the exile of sin and restored us to new life in Jesus Christ our
Saviour. Glory and honour and praise to you for ever and ever.
Psalm 126 885

127
1 Unless the Lord builds the house, *
their labour is in vain who build it.
2 Unless the Lord watches over the city, *
in vain the watchman keeps his vigil.
3 It is in vain that you rise so early and go to bed so late; *
vain, too, to eat the bread of toil,
for he gives to his beloved sleep.
4 Children are a heritage from the Lord, *
and the fruit of the womb is a gift.
5 Like arrows in the hand of a warrior *
are the children of one’s youth.
6 Happy is the man who has his quiver full of them! *
he shall not be put to shame
when he contends with his enemies in the gate.
Gracious Father, watch over the Church, built on the foundation
of your love. Help us so to live and proclaim the gospel that
many may find life in your Son Jesus Christ our Lord.
128
1 Happy are they all who fear the Lord, *
and who follow in his ways!
2 You shall eat the fruit of your labour; *
happiness and prosperity shall be yours.
3 Your wife shall be like a fruitful vine within your house, *
your children like olive shoots round about your table.
4 The man who fears the Lord *
shall thus indeed be blessed.
5 The Lord bless you from Zion, *
and may you see the prosperity of Jerusalem all the
days of your life.
886 Psalms 127, 128

6 May you live to see your children’s children; *
may peace be upon Israel.
Gracious God, giver of life in its fullness, you take no pleasure
in human want but intend your bounty to be shared among your
children. Lead us in the ways of justice and peace, for
Jesus Christ’s sake.
129
1 ”Greatly have they oppressed me since my youth,” *
let Israel now say;
2 ”Greatly have they oppressed me since my youth, *
but they have not prevailed against me.”
3 The plowmen plowed upon my back *
and made their furrows long.
4 The Lord, the Righteous One, *
has cut the cords of the wicked.
5 Let them be put to shame and thrown back, *
all those who are enemies of Zion.
6 Let them be like grass upon the housetops, *
which withers before it can be plucked;
7 Which does not fill the hand of the reaper, *
nor the bosom of him who binds the sheaves;
8 So that those who go by say not so much as,
”The Lord prosper you. *
We wish you well in the name of the Lord.”
Save us, gracious God, from the dark forces that threaten the
lives of your people, in nations and societies and in the human
spirit. Deliver us from cynicism and violence, from jealousy
and indifference, from fear and despair. We ask this in the
name of Jesus Christ the Lord.
Psalm 129 887

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; *
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, *
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.
Rescue us, O God for whom we wait, from the depths of

depression and despair. May we trust in your mercy, know the
fullness of your redemption, and share in the glory of your
kingdom; through our Saviour Jesus Christ.
131
1 O Lord, I am not proud; *
I have no haughty looks.
2 I do not occupy myself with great matters, *
or with things that are too hard for me.
3 But I still my soul and make it quiet,
like a child upon its mother’s breast; *
my soul is quieted within me.
4 O Israel, wait upon the Lord, *
888 Psalms 130, 131

God of earthquake, wind, and fire, may we know you also in
the voice of silence. Teach us the way of quiet, that we may
find our peace in your presence, in the pattern of our Saviour
Jesus Christ.
132
1 Lord, remember David, *
and all the hardships he endured;
2 How he swore an oath to the Lord *
and vowed a vow to the Mighty One of Jacob:
3 ”I will not come under the roof of my house, *
nor climb up into my bed;
4 I will not allow my eyes to sleep, *
nor let my eyelids slumber;
5 Until I find a place for the Lord, *
a dwelling for the Mighty One of Jacob”
6 ”The Ark! We heard it was in Ephratah; *
we found it in the fields of Jearim.
7 Let us go to God’s dwelling place; *
let us fall upon our knees before his footstool.”
8 Arise, O Lord, into your resting-place, *
you and the ark of your strength.
9 Let your priests be clothed with righteousness; *
let your faithful people sing with joy.
10 For your servant David’s sake, *
do not turn away the face of your anointed.
11 The Lord has sworn an oath to David; *
in truth, he will not break it:
12 ”A son, the fruit of your body *
will I set upon your throne.
13 If your children keep my covenant
and my testimonies that I shall teach them, *
their children will sit upon your throne for evermore.”
Psalm 132 889

14 For the Lord has chosen Zion, *
he has desired her for his habitation:
15 “This shall be my resting-place for ever; *
here will I dwell, for I delight in her.
16 I will surely bless her provisions, *
and satisfy her poor with bread.
17 I will clothe her priests with salvation, *
and her faithful people will rejoice and sing.
18 There will I make the horn of David flourish; *
I have prepared a lamp for my anointed.
19 As for his enemies, I will clothe them with shame; *
but as for him, his crown will shine.”
Gracious God, you have taught us in our Saviour Jesus Christ
that you are present wherever there is love, and that two or
three who gather in his name are citizens of your eternal city.
Feed us with the bread of life, that we may grow to recognize
in every human heart a sign of your presence and an
opportunity to serve you. We ask this in the name of Jesus
Christ our Lord.
133
1 Oh, how good and pleasant it is, *
when brethren live together in unity!
2 It is like fine oil upon the head *
that runs down upon the beard,
3 Upon the beard of Aaron, *
and runs down upon the collar of his robe.
4 It is like the dew of Hermon *
that falls upon the hills of Zion.
5 For there the Lord has ordained the blessing: *
life for evermore.
890 Psalm 133

Creator of the universe, from whom all things come, to whom
all things return, give your people such unity of heart and
mind, that all the world may grow in the life of your eternal
kingdom, through Jesus Christ our Lord.
134
1 Behold now, bless the Lord, all you servants of the Lord, *
you that stand by night in the house of the Lord.
2 Lift up your hands in the holy place and bless the Lord; *
the Lord who made heaven and earth bless
you out of Zion.
God our creator and redeemer, give us grateful hearts and
willing hands, that we may worthily praise your name and
build your kingdom among all people, to the glory of your
Son our Saviour Jesus Christ.
135
1 Hallelujah!
Praise the name of the Lord; *
give praise, you servants of the Lord,
2 You who stand in the house of the Lord, *
in the courts of the house of our God.
3 Praise the Lord, for the Lord is good; *
sing praises to his name, for it is lovely.
4 For the Lord has chosen Jacob for himself *
and Israel for his own possession.
5 For I know that the Lord is great, *
and that our Lord is above all gods.
6 The Lord does whatever pleases him, in heaven and
on earth, *
in the seas and all the deeps.
Psalms 134, 135 891

7 He brings up rain clouds from the ends of the earth; *
he sends out lightning with the rain,
and brings the winds out of his storehouse.
8 It was he who struck down the firstborn of Egypt, *
the firstborn both of man and beast.
9 He sent signs and wonders into the midst of you, O Egypt, *
against Pharaoh and all his servants.
10 He overthrew many nations *
and put mighty kings to death:
11 Sihon, king of the Amorites,
and Og, the king of Bashan, *
and all the kingdoms of Canaan.
12 He gave their land to be an inheritance, *
an inheritance for Israel his people.
13 O Lord, your name is everlasting; *
your renown, O Lord, endures from age to age.
14 For the Lord gives his people justice *
and shows compassion to his servants.
15 The idols of the heathen are silver and gold, *
the work of human hands.
16 They have mouths, but they cannot speak; *
eyes have they, but they cannot see.
17 They have ears, but they cannot hear; *
neither is there any breath in their mouth.
18 Those who make them are like them, *
and so are all who put their trust in them.
19 Bless the Lord, O house of Israel; *
O house of Aaron, bless the Lord.
20 Bless the Lord, O house of Levi; *
you who fear the Lord, bless the Lord.
21 Blessed be the Lord out of Zion, *
who dwells in Jerusalem.
Hallelujah!
892 Psalm 135

God of freedom, you brought your people out of slavery with a
mighty hand and gave them a law of love and justice. Deliver
us from every temptation to be satisfied with false imitations of
your will: with talk of peace that masks the face of war, and
thanks for plenty that leaves the poor unfed. We pray for the
coming of your kingdom, founded in Jesus Christ our Lord.
136
1 Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good, *
2 Give thanks to the God of gods, *
3 Give thanks to the Lord of lords, *
4 Who only does great wonders, *

for his mercy endures for ever;
5 Who by his wisdom made the heavens, *
6 Who spread out the earth upon the waters, *
7 Who created great lights, *
8 The sun to rule the day, *
9 The moon and the stars to govern the night, *
10 Who struck down the firstborn of Egypt, *

11 And brought out Israel from among them, *
12 With a mighty hand and a stretched-out arm, *
Psalm 136 895

13 Who divided the Red Sea in two, *
14 And made Israel to pass through the midst of it, *
15 But swept Pharaoh and his army into the Red Sea, *
16 Who led his people through the wilderness, *
17 Who struck down great kings, *

18 And slew mighty kings, *
19 Sihon, king of the Amorites, *
20 And Og, the king of Bashan, *
21 And gave away their lands for an inheritance, *
22 An inheritance for Israel his servant, *
23 Who remembered us in our low estate, *

24 And delivered us from our enemies, *
25 Who gives food to all creatures, *
26 Give thanks to the God of heaven, *
Maker and Sustainer of all things, Source of all life and goodness,
help us always to love and serve one another, and to worship
you with joy and gladness, through Jesus Christ our Lord.
894 Psalm 136

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 right 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 he be who takes your little ones, *
and dashes them against the rock!
God of courage and compassion, comfort the exiled and
oppressed, strengthen the faith of your people, and bring us all
to our true home, the kingdom of our Lord and Saviour Jesus
Christ.
138
1 I will give thanks to you, O Lord, with my whole heart; *
before the gods I will sing your praise.
Psalms 137, 138 895

2 I will bow down toward your holy temple
and praise your name, *
because of your love and faithfulness;
3 For you have glorified your name *
and your word above all things.
4 When I called, you answered me; *
you increased my strength within me.
5 All the kings of the earth will praise you, O Lord, *
when they have heard the words of your mouth.
6 They will sing of the ways of the Lord, *
that great is the glory of the Lord.
7 Though the Lord be high, he cares for the lowly; *
he perceives the haughty from afar.
8 Though I walk in the midst of trouble, you keep me safe; *
you stretch forth your hand against the
fury of my enemies;
your right hand shall save me.
9 The Lord will make good his purpose for me; *
O Lord, your love endures for ever;
do not abandon the works of your hands.
God of creation and fulfilment, help us to seek and discover
your purposes, that we may become willing instruments of
your grace, and that all the world may come to love and praise
your name, in the kingdom of your Son Jesus Christ our Lord.
139
1 Lord, you have searched me out and known me; *
you know my sitting down and my rising up;
you discern my thoughts from afar.
2 You trace my journeys and my resting-places *
and are acquainted with all my ways.
3 Indeed, there is not a word on my lips, *
but you, O Lord, know it altogether.
896 Psalm 139

4 You press upon me behind and before *
and lay your hand upon me.
5 Such knowledge is too wonderful for me; *
it is so high that I cannot attain to it.
6 Where can I go then from your Spirit? *
where can I flee from your presence?
7 If I climb up to heaven, you are there; *
if I make the grave my bed, you are there also.
8 If I take the wings of the morning *
and dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea,
9 Even there your hand will lead me *
and your right hand hold me fast.
10 If I say, “Surely the darkness will cover me, *
and the light around me turn to night.”
11 Darkness is not dark to you;
the night is as bright as the day; *
darkness and light to you are both alike.
12 For you yourself created my inmost parts; *
you knit me together in my mother’s womb.
13 I will thank you because I am marvellously made; *
your works are wonderful, and I know it well.
14 My body was not hidden from you, *
while I was being made in secret
and woven in the depths of the earth.
15 Your eyes beheld my limbs, yet unfinished in the womb;
all of them were written in your book; *
they were fashioned day by day,
when as yet there was none of them.
16 How deep I find your thoughts, O God! *
how great is the sum of them!
17 If I were to count them, they would be more in number
than the sand; *
to count them all, my life span would need to
be like yours.
Psalm 139 897

18 Oh, that you would slay the wicked, O God! *
You that thirst for blood, depart from me.
19 They speak despitefully against you; *
your enemies take your name in vain.
20 Do I not hate those, O Lord, who hate you? *
and do I not loathe those who rise up against you?
21 I hate them with a perfect hatred; *
they have become my own enemies.
22 Search me out, O God, and know my heart; *
try me and know my restless thoughts.
23 Look well whether there be any wickedness in me *
and lead me in the way that is everlasting.
God of mystery and power, even our minds and hearts are the
veils and signs of your presence. We come in silent wonder to
learn the way of simplicity, the eternal road that leads to love
for you and for your whole creation. We come as your Son
Jesus Christ taught us, and in his name.
140
1 Deliver me, O Lord, from evildoers; *
protect me from the violent,
2 Who devise evil in their hearts *
and stir up strife all day long.
3 They have sharpened their tongues like a serpent; *
adder’s poison is under their lips.
4 Keep me, O Lord, from the hands of the wicked; *
protect me from the violent,
who are determined to trip me up.
5 The proud have hidden a snare for me
and stretched out a net of cords; *
they have set traps for me along the path.
6 I have said to the Lord, ”You are my God; *
listen, O Lord, to my supplication.
898 Psalm 140

7 O Lord God, the strength of my salvation, *
you have covered my head in the day of battle.
8 Do not grant the desires of the wicked, O Lord, *
nor let their evil plans prosper.
9 Let not those who surround me lift up their heads; *
let the evil of their lips overwhelm them.
10 Let hot burning coals fall upon them; *
let them be cast into the mire, never to rise up again.”
11 A slanderer shall not be established on the earth, *
and evil shall hunt down the lawless.
12 I know that the Lord will maintain the cause of the poor *
and render justice to the needy.
13 Surely, the righteous will give thanks to your name, *
and the upright shall continue in your sight.
Save us, Lord, from all terror and oppression; strengthen us to

maintain the cause of the poor, that justice may roll down like
waters and righteousness like an ever-flowing stream. We ask
this in the name of Jesus Christ the Lord.
141
1 O Lord, I call to you; come to me quickly; *
hear my voice when I cry to you.
2 Let my prayer be set forth in your sight as incense, *
the lifting up of my hands as the evening sacrifice.
3 Set a watch before my mouth, O Lord,
and guard the door of my lips; *
let not my heart incline to any evil thing.
4 Let me not be occupied in wickedness with evildoers, *
nor eat of their choice foods.
5 Let the righteous smite me in friendly rebuke;
let not the oil of the unrighteous anoint my head; *
for my prayer is continually against their wicked deeds.
Psalm 141 899

6 Let their rulers be overthrown in stony places, *
that they may know my words are true.
7 As when a plowman turns over the earth in furrows, *
let their bones be scattered at the mouth of the grave.
8 But my eyes are turned to you, Lord God; *
in you I take refuge;
do not strip me of my life.
9 Protect me from the snare which they have laid for me *
and from the traps of the evildoers.
10 Let the wicked fall into their own nets, *
while I myself escape.
God our protector and guide, incline our hearts to turn from
evil and do good, that our lives may be a prayer for the coming
of your kingdom, through Jesus Christ our Lord.
142
1 I cry to the Lord with my voice; *
to the Lord I make loud supplication.
2 I pour out my complaint before him *
and tell him all my trouble.
3 When my spirit languishes within me, you know my path; *
in the way wherein I walk they have hidden a trap for me.
4 I look to my right hand and find no one who knows me; *
I have no place to flee to, and no one cares for me.
5 I cry out to you, O Lord; *
I say, “You are my refuge,
my portion in the land of the living.”
6 Listen to my cry for help, for I have been brought very low; *
save me from those who pursue me,
for they are too strong for me.
7 Bring me out of prison, that I may give thanks to your name; *
when you have dealt bountifully with me,
the righteous will gather around me.
900 Psalm 142

God our consoler and redeemer, save your people coerced and
made captive by the powers of evil, and bring us into the way
of freedom and liberty prepared by the sacrifice of your Son
143
1 Lord, hear my prayer,
and in your faithfulness heed my supplications; *
answer me in your righteousness.
2 Enter not into judgement with your servant, *
for in your sight shall no one living be justified.
3 For my enemy has sought my life;
he has crushed me to the ground; *
he has made me live in dark places like those who
are long dead.
4 My spirit faints within me; *
my heart within me is desolate.
5 I remember the time past;
I muse upon all your deeds; *
I consider the works of your hands.
6 I spread out my hands to you; *
my soul gasps to you like a thirsty land.
7 O Lord, make haste to answer me; my spirit fails me; *
do not hide your face from me
or I shall be like those who go down to the Pit.
8 Let me hear of your loving-kindness in the morning,
for I put my trust in you; *
show me the road that I must walk,
for I lift up my soul to you.
9 Deliver me from my enemies, O Lord, *
for I flee to you for refuge.
10 Teach me to do what pleases you, for you are my God; *
let your good Spirit lead me on level ground.
11 Revive me, O Lord, for your name’s sake; *
for your righteousness’ sake, bring me out of trouble.
Psalm 143 901

12 Of your goodness, destroy my enemies
and bring all my foes to naught, *
for truly I am your servant.
God of our hope, when we are distracted by care and sickness,
help us to recognize your image in ourselves and others, that
we may be made whole and the world become the kingdom of
our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.
144
1 Blessed be the Lord my rock! *
who trains my hands to fight and my fingers to battle;
2 My help and my fortress, my stronghold and my deliverer, *
my shield in whom I trust,
who subdues the peoples under me.
3 O Lord, what are we that you should care for us? *
mere mortals that you should think of us?
4 We are like a puff of wind; *
our days are like a passing shadow.
5 Bow your heavens, O Lord, and come down; *
touch the mountains, and they shall smoke.
6 Hurl the lightning and scatter them; *
shoot out your arrows and rout them.
7 Stretch out your hand from on high; *
rescue me and deliver me from the great waters,
from the hand of foreign peoples,
8 Whose mouths speak deceitfully *
and whose right hand is raised in falsehood.
9 O God, I will sing to you a new song; *
I will play to you on a ten-stringed lyre.
10 You give victory to kings *
and have rescued David your servant.
902 Psalm 144

11 Rescue me from the hurtful sword *
and deliver me from the hand of foreign peoples,
12 Whose mouths speak deceitfully *
and whose right hand is raised in falsehood.
13 May our sons be like plants well nurtured from their youth, *
and our daughters like sculptured corners of a palace.
14 May our barns be filled to overflowing with all
manner of crops; *
may the flocks in our pastures increase by thousands
and tens of thousands;
may our cattle be fat and sleek.
15 May there be no breaching of the walls, no going into exile, *
no wailing in the public squares.
16 Happy are the people of whom this is so! *
happy are the people whose God is the Lord!
Generous and bountiful God, give compassion to the
prosperous and comfort to the needy, that all people may
come to love and praise you, through Jesus Christ our Lord.
145
1 I will exalt you, O God my King, *
and bless your name for ever and ever.
2 Every day will I bless you *
and praise your name for ever and ever.
3 Great is the Lord and greatly to be praised; *
there is no end to his greatness.
4 One generation shall praise your works to another *
and shall declare your power.
5 I will ponder the glorious splendour of your majesty *
and all your marvellous works.
6 They shall speak of the might of your wondrous acts, *
and I will tell of your greatness.
Psalm 145 903

7 They shall publish the remembrance of your
great goodness; *
they shall sing of your righteous deeds.
8 The Lord is gracious and full of compassion, *
9 The Lord is loving to everyone *
and his compassion is over all his works.
10 All your works praise you, O Lord, *
and your faithful servants bless you.
11 They make known the glory of your kingdom *
and speak of your power;
12 That the peoples may know of your power *
and the glorious splendour of your kingdom.
13 Your kingdom is an everlasting kingdom; *
your dominion endures throughout all ages.
14 The Lord is faithful in all his words *
and merciful in all his deeds.
15 The Lord upholds all those who fall; *
he lifts up those who are bowed down.
16 The eyes of all wait upon you, O Lord, *
and you give them their food in due season.
17 You open wide your hand *
and satisfy the needs of every living creature.
18 The Lord is righteous in all his ways *
and loving in all his works.
19 The Lord is near to those who call upon him, *
to all who call upon him faithfully.
20 He fulfils the desire of those who fear him, *
he hears their cry and helps them.
21 The Lord preserves all those who love him, *
but he destroys all the wicked.
22 My mouth shall speak the praise of the Lord; *
let all flesh bless his holy name for ever and ever.
904 Psalm 145

Almighty God, give us grace to know you more and more, that
knowing we may love and loving we may praise, that the
whole world may hear your name and worship you, through
146
1 Hallelujah!
Praise the Lord, O my soul! *
I will praise the Lord as long as I live;
I will sing praises to my God while I have my being.
2 Put not your trust in rulers, nor in any child of earth, *
for there is no help in them.
3 When they breathe their last, they return to earth, *
and in that day their thoughts perish.
4 Happy are they who have the God of Jacob for their help! *
whose hope is in the Lord their God;
5 Who made heaven and earth, the seas, and all that
is in them; *
who keeps his promise for ever;
6 Who gives justice to those who are oppressed, *
and food to those who hunger.
7 The Lord sets the prisoners free;
the Lord opens the eyes of the blind; *
the Lord lifts up those who are bowed down;
8 The Lord loves the righteous;
the Lord cares for the stranger; *
he sustains the orphan and widow,
but frustrates the way of the wicked.
9 The Lord shall reign for ever, *
your God, O Zion, throughout all generations.
Hallelujah!
God our creator and redeemer, inspire your people, in
prosperity or adversity, to turn always to you, eternal source
of life, health, and goodness; through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Psalm 146 905

147
1 Hallelujah!
How good it is to sing praises to our God! *
how pleasant it is to honour him with praise!
2 The Lord rebuilds Jerusalem; *
he gathers the exiles of Israel.
3 He heals the brokenhearted *
and binds up their wounds.
4 He counts the number of the stars *
and calls them all by their names.
5 Great is our Lord and mighty in power; *
there is no limit to his wisdom.
6 The Lord lifts up the lowly, *
but casts the wicked to the ground.
7 Sing to the Lord with thanksgiving; *
make music to our God upon the harp.
8 He covers the heavens with clouds *
and prepares rain for the earth;
9 He makes grass to grow upon the mountains *
and green plants to serve mankind.
10 He provides food for flocks and herds *
and for the young ravens when they cry.
11 He is not impressed by the might of a horse, *
he has no pleasure in the strength of a man;
12 But the Lord has pleasure in those who fear him, *
in those who await his gracious favour.
13 Worship the Lord, O Jerusalem; *
praise your God, O Zion;
14 For he has strengthened the bars of your gates; *
he has blessed your children within you.
15 He has established peace on your borders; *
he satisfies you with the finest wheat.
16 He sends out his command to the earth, *
and his word runs very swiftly.
906 Psalm 147

17 He gives snow like wool; *
he scatters hoarfrost like ashes.
18 He scatters his hail like bread crumbs; *
who can stand against his cold?
19 He sends forth his word and melts them; *
he blows with his wind, and the waters flow.
20 He declares his word to Jacob, *
his statutes and his judgements to Israel.
21 He has not done so to any other nation; *
to them he has not revealed his judgements.
Hallelujah!
God of the universe, Lord of life, give us grace to see you in all
your works, in all creatures, all people, and in our hearts, that
we may faithfully serve you and worthily praise your holy
name, through Jesus Christ our Lord.
148
1 Hallelujah!
Praise the Lord from the heavens; *
praise him in the heights.
2 Praise him, all you angels of his; *
praise him, all his host.
3 Praise him, sun and moon; *
praise him, all you shining stars.
4 Praise him, heaven of heavens, *
and you waters above the heavens.
5 Let them praise the name of the Lord; *
for he commanded, and they were created.
6 He made them stand fast for ever and ever; *
he gave them a law which shall not pass away.
7 Praise the Lord from the earth, *

you sea-monsters and all deeps;
Psalm 148 907

8 Fire and hail, snow and fog, *
tempestuous wind, doing his will;
9 Mountains and all hills, *
fruit trees and all cedars;
10 Wild beasts and all cattle, *
creeping things and wingèd birds;
11 Kings of the earth and all peoples, *
princes and all rulers of the world;
12 Young men and maidens, *
old and young together.
13 Let them praise the name of the Lord, *
for his name only is exalted,
his splendour is over earth and heaven.
14 He has raised up strength for his people
and praise for all his loyal servants, *
the children of Israel, a people who are near him.
Hallelujah!
Blessed are you, Lord our God, creator of heaven and earth;
you open our eyes to see the wonders around us, and our
hearts and mouths to praise you. Now give us strength for
loving service, through Jesus Christ our Lord.
149
1 Hallelujah!
Sing to the Lord a new song; *
sing his praise in the congregation of the faithful.
2 Let Israel rejoice in his maker; *
let the children of Zion be joyful in their king.
3 Let them praise his name in the dance; *
let them sing praise to him with timbrel and harp.
4 For the Lord takes pleasure in his people *
and adorns the poor with victory.
5 Let the faithful rejoice in triumph; *
let them be joyful on their beds.
908 Psalm 149

6 Let the praises of God be in their throat *
and a two-edged sword in their hand;
7 To wreak vengeance on the nations *
and punishment on the peoples;
8 To bind their kings in chains *
and their nobles with links of iron;
9 To inflict on them the judgement decreed; *
this is glory for all his faithful people.
Hallelujah!
Accept our praise, God of justice, defender of the oppressed.
Give us grace to join in this your holy work, that all the world
may see your glory, through Jesus Christ our Lord.
150
1 Hallelujah!
Praise God in his holy temple; *
praise him in the firmament of his power.
2 Praise him for his mighty acts; *
praise him for his excellent greatness.
3 Praise him with the blast of the ram’s-horn; *
praise him with lyre and harp.
4 Praise him with timbrel and dance; *
praise him with strings and pipe.
5 Praise him with resounding cymbals; *
praise him with loud-clanging cymbals.
6 Let everything that has breath *
praise the Lord.
Hallelujah!
Maker of the universe, Source of all life, give us grace to serve
you with our whole heart, that we may faithfully perform your
will and joyfully participate in your creation, to the praise and
glory of your name, through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Psalm 150 909

Music
Acknowledgements
Portions of this book are taken from The Book of Common Prayer (1979) of the
Episcopal Church of the United States of America, and other portions have
been adapted from that book with approval.
A portion of scripture quotation is from the Revised Standard Version of the

©
Bible copyrighted 1946, 1952, 1971, 1973 by the Division of Christian
Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the U.S.A., and
used by permission.
English translation of the Lord’s Prayer, Apostles’ Creed, Nicene Creed (adapted),
Kyrie, Gloria in Excelsis, Sursum Corda (adapted), Sanctus and Benedictus, Gloria
©
Patri, Benedictus, Te Deum, Magnificat, and Nunc Dimittis, by the International
Consultation on English Texts.
Introductory Response No. 6 on p. 98 is reprinted from Contemporary

©
Worship 5—Services of the Word, copyright 1972, by permission of the
publishers for the Inter-Lutheran Commission on Worship, representing the
copyright holders.
©
Excerpts from Praise God in Song, copyright 1979 by G.I.A. Publications, Inc.,
©
The canticle “Bless’d be the God of Israel” on p. 89, 1969, James Quinn, SJ;
Selah Publishing Co. Inc., North American agents. All rights reserved.
The canticle “Jesus Christ is Lord” on p. 91, the Lent Responsory on pp.
106–107, the Advent Litany on pp. 119–120, the Prayers for Guidance on pp.
130–131, and the Prayer for Grace and Faith on p. 131, have been adapted
©
from Praise in all our Days (Praise God), copyright (1977), Oxford University
Press, New York, N.Y.
©
Timothy Dudley-Smith, hymn: “Tell Out, My Soul.” Copyright 1965 by
Hope Publishing Co., Carol Stream, IL 60188. All Rights Reserved. Used by
Permission.
The Collect for Peace on p. 130 is adapted from the Book of Common Prayer of
the Church of England, and the prayer commencing “Gracious God . . .” on
p. 214 is based on a prayer in The Alternative Service Book 1980. Both are
reproduced with permission.
Acknowledgements 925
“A Prayer for Strength” on p. 130 is based on a prayer in The Daily Office,
©
Ronald C.D. Jasper, ed., SPCK and The Epworth Press, London 1968, The
Joint Liturgical Group, 1968. Adapted with permission of SPCK.
The second eucharistic prayer is based on a number of sources, including the

English translation of the Eucharistic Prayer of Hippolytus and notes for this
©
translation, 1983, International Committee on English in the Liturgy, Inc. All
rights reserved. Altered and adapted with permission.
The proper prefaces for the Epiphany, Trinity Sunday, the Reign of Christ,
and Ordinations, and the blessings for Advent and the Incarnation are based
©
on forms in The Roman Missal, 1973, International Committee on English in
the Liturgy, Inc. All rights reserved. Altered and adapted with permission.
Some of the prayers in the Proper Sentences, Readings, and Prayers, and
©
Psalm Prayer 70, are based on prayers in The Roman Missal, 1973,
International Committee on English in the Liturgy, Inc. All rights reserved.
Altered and adapted with permission.
Anthem 1, on pp. 314–316, is excerpted from From Ashes to Fire, Supplemental

©
Worship Resource 8. Copyright 1979 by Abingdon. Reprinted by permission.
The prayer beginning, “God of grace and glory,” on pp. 602–603 is adapted
©
from “For a Dead Person” from Your Word is Near by Huub Oosterhuis. 1968
by the Missionary Society of St Paul the Apostle in the State of New York.
Used by permission of Paulist Press.
No. 7 in Additional Home Prayers, “For Home and Family,” from David Mace,
©
Whom God Hath Joined, The Epworth Press, London, 1953 and 1975.
No. 18 in Occasional Prayers, “For Fisheries.” Excerpt from A Book of Blessings,

©
copyright Concacan Inc., 1981. Reproduced with permission of the
Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops, Ottawa.
No. 21 in Occasional Prayers, “For the Neighbourhood,” is reprinted from the

©
Lutheran Book of Worship, copyright 1978, by permission of the publishers and
the copyright holders.
No. 26 in Occasional Prayers, “For those in Affliction,” is reprinted from the

©
Service Book and Hymnal, 1958, The Board of Publication, Lutheran Church in
America. Reprinted and adapted with permission.
926 Acknowledgements
F. Bland Tucker, hymns: “All praise to thee, for thou, O King divine,” and
“O Gracious Light.” Used by permission, from The Hymnal 1982, copyright The
Church Pension Fund.
The prayer, “A Thanksgiving,” on p. 697 is reprinted from Contemporary Parish

Prayers by Frank Colquhoun, Hodder & Stoughton, London, 1975. Copyright
©
1967 by Frank Colquhoun.
Psalm Prayers 54, 59, 62, 63, 64, 65, 86, 90, 99, 100, 105, 106, 119, 122 and 125,
©
from the English translation of The Liturgy of the Hours, 1974 International
Committee on English in the Liturgy, Inc., were adapted for the Lutheran Book
©
of Worship, copyright 1978, and are used by permission of the International
Commission on English in the Liturgy and the Board of Publication of the
Lutheran Church in America.
Tones for the introductory responses Morning Prayer I, Morning Prayer II,
Evening Prayer I, Evening Prayer II, Late Evening I, Late Evening II, and for
©
the litany for Late Evening, are from The Book of Canticles, copyright 1979,
The Church Pension Fund, New York. Used by permission.
Tones for the eucharistic dialogue (solemn form), the Peace (two forms),
Christ our Passover, and Christ our Passover with Alleluias on p. 921, are
©
from The Holy Eucharist, Altar Edition, copyright 1977, Church Hymnal
Corporation. Used by permission.
Tones for the eucharistic dialogue (simple form), are from Songs for Liturgy,
©
copyright 1971, Walton Music Corporation, Chapel Hill, N.C.
©
McNeil Robinson, setting of the Lord’s Prayer, 1979, Theodore Presser Co.
Used by permission.
If, through inadvertence, anything has been printed without permission, the
publishers ask that the omission be excused and agree to make proper
acknowledgement in future printings after notice has been received.
Acknowledgements 927
The use of capitals in English sentences (except in the opening word) has
diminished steadily during recent centuries, not least in words of sacred
reference where the process has accelerated in the last few decades. In a
compilation such as this, which draws on a number of sources representing
different stages of linguistic development, some inconsistencies may appear.
In general the following standards apply: the names of rites are not capitalized
except in their titles and in references to their titles; in liturgical texts
appropriate words in the titles of sections of liturgies are capitalized, but the
functions they contain are not; Word is capitalized when it refers to Christ as
the incarnate Logos, but usually not otherwise; traditional titles of Christ are
capitalized, but metaphors applied to God, either as titles or attributes, usually
are not, except in forms of address. Spelling in the Psalter has been adapted to
the standard of the Concise Oxford Dictionary.
ISBN 0-919891-27-6
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928 Acknowledgements

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Anglican Book Centre

ABC Publishing, Anglican Book Centre

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced, stored in a

Acknowledgements and copyrights appear on pages 925-928, which constitute

Fifteenth Printing with Revisions. Manufactured in Canada.

Canadian Cataloguing in Publication Data

Authorized by the Thirtieth Session of the General Synod of the Anglican

1. Anglican Church of Canada - Liturgy - Texts.

BX5616. A5 1985 264’.03 C84-099749-3

Vinyl Green 978-0-919891-27-2 Leatherette Green 978-1-55126-399-1

Harvest Thanksgiving may be observed on a Sunday as determined

Other Major Feasts

Titles of the Seasons, Sundays,

The Season after Pentecost

Principal Holy Days

Other Holy Days

Memorials and Commemorations

Signs and Abbreviations

Rationale and Directions

Saturday Vigil of the Resurrection

1 The General Instruction on the Liturgy of the Hours, IX. 169.

Officiant O God, make speed to save us.

All Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the

Christ our Passover

The Proclamation of the Word

The Apostles’ Creed

Intercessions and Thanksgivings

Reader The word of the Lord.

A period of silence may follow.

The Lord’s Prayer

Then may be said,

The Service of Light

O Gracious Light Phos Hilaron

Where desired, in places where incense is customary, incense may be offered

O Gracious Light Phos Hilaron

The Proclamation of the Word

The Apostles’ Creed

The Lord’s Prayer

Canticles Through the Year

Mon 13 Song of Praise * 7 The New Jerusalem

Mon 15 Song of Creation 2 * 4 Song of Good News

Canticles for Advent

Mon 4 Song of Good News * 24 Song to the Lamb

Canticles for Lent

Mon 6 Seek the Lord * 23 Song of the First-Born

Mon 11 Song of Wisdom * 23 Song of the First-Born

Canticles for Festivals

Other translations of these canticles may be used.

4 Song of Good News

5 The Lord’s Servant

7 The New Jerusalem

8 Song from Jeremiah

10 The Souls of the Righteous

12 The Bread of Heaven

19a The Song of Zechariah

20 The Song of Simeon

22a Jesus Christ is Lord