This is the message we have heard from Christ:
that God is light, in whom there is
no darkness at all
1
1 John 1:5
Glory to God; Father, Son and Holy Spirit:
as in the beginning, so now, and for ever. Amen.
as in the beginning, so now, and for ever. Amen.
2 The Opening Canticle, A Song of God's Herald
Go up to a high mountain
herald of good tiding to Zion:
lift up your voice with strength,
herald of good tidings to Jerusalem.
Lift up your voice, fear not:
say to the cities of Judah, 'Behold your God!'
See the Lord God, coming with power:
coming to rule with his mighty arm.
He brings his reward for the people of God:
the recompense for those who are saved.
God will feed his flock like a shepherd:
and gather the lambs in his arms;
He will hold them to his breast:
and gently lead those that are with young.
herald of good tiding to Zion:
lift up your voice with strength,
herald of good tidings to Jerusalem.
Lift up your voice, fear not:
say to the cities of Judah, 'Behold your God!'
See the Lord God, coming with power:
coming to rule with his mighty arm.
He brings his reward for the people of God:
the recompense for those who are saved.
God will feed his flock like a shepherd:
and gather the lambs in his arms;
He will hold them to his breast:
and gently lead those that are with young.
Isaiah 40:9-11
3 The Opening Prayer
The night has passed and the day lies open before us;
let us pray with one heart and mind.
let us pray with one heart and mind.
Silence may be kept
As we rejoice in the gift of this new day,
so may the light of your presence, O God,
set our hearts on fire with love for you;
now and for ever. Amen.
so may the light of your presence, O God,
set our hearts on fire with love for you;
now and for ever. Amen.
4 The Psalms as appointed. A pause is observed after each
1 Have mercy on me, O God, for they trample over me; •
all day long they assault and oppress me.
2 My adversaries trample over me all the day long; •
many are they that make proud war against me.
3 In the day of my fear I put my trust in you, •
in God whose word I praise.
4 In God I trust, and will not fear, •
for what can flesh do to me?
5 All day long they wound me with words; •
their every thought is to do me evil.
6 They stir up trouble; they lie in wait; •
marking my steps, they seek my life.
7 Shall they escape for all their wickedness? •
In anger, O God, cast the peoples down.
8 You have counted up my groaning;
put my tears into your bottle; •
are they not written in your book?
9 Then shall my enemies turn back
on the day when I call upon you; •
this I know, for God is on my side.
10 In God whose word I praise,
in the Lord whose word I praise, •
in God I trust and will not fear:
what can flesh do to me?
11 To you, O God, will I fulfil my vows; •
to you will I present my offerings of thanks,
12 For you will deliver my soul from death
and my feet from falling, •
that I may walk before God in the light of the living.
all day long they assault and oppress me.
2 My adversaries trample over me all the day long; •
many are they that make proud war against me.
3 In the day of my fear I put my trust in you, •
in God whose word I praise.
4 In God I trust, and will not fear, •
for what can flesh do to me?
5 All day long they wound me with words; •
their every thought is to do me evil.
6 They stir up trouble; they lie in wait; •
marking my steps, they seek my life.
7 Shall they escape for all their wickedness? •
In anger, O God, cast the peoples down.
8 You have counted up my groaning;
put my tears into your bottle; •
are they not written in your book?
9 Then shall my enemies turn back
on the day when I call upon you; •
this I know, for God is on my side.
10 In God whose word I praise,
in the Lord whose word I praise, •
in God I trust and will not fear:
what can flesh do to me?
11 To you, O God, will I fulfil my vows; •
to you will I present my offerings of thanks,
12 For you will deliver my soul from death
and my feet from falling, •
that I may walk before God in the light of the living.
1 Be merciful to me, O God, be merciful to me, •
for my soul takes refuge in you;
2 In the shadow of your wings will I take refuge •
until the storm of destruction has passed by.
3 I will call upon the Most High God, •
the God who fulfils his purpose for me.
4 He will send from heaven and save me
and rebuke those that would trample upon me; •
God will send forth his love and his faithfulness.
5 I lie in the midst of lions, •
people whose teeth are spears and arrows,
and their tongue a sharp sword.
6 Be exalted, O God, above the heavens, •
and your glory over all the earth.
7 They have laid a net for my feet;
my soul is pressed down; •
they have dug a pit before me
and will fall into it themselves.
8 My heart is ready, O God, my heart is ready; •
I will sing and give you praise.
9 Awake, my soul; awake, harp and lyre, •
that I may awaken the dawn.
10 I will give you thanks, O Lord, among the peoples; •
I will sing praise to you among the nations.
11 For your loving-kindness is as high as the heavens, •
and your faithfulness reaches to the clouds.
12 Be exalted, O God, above the heavens, •
and your glory over all the earth.
for my soul takes refuge in you;
2 In the shadow of your wings will I take refuge •
until the storm of destruction has passed by.
3 I will call upon the Most High God, •
the God who fulfils his purpose for me.
4 He will send from heaven and save me
and rebuke those that would trample upon me; •
God will send forth his love and his faithfulness.
5 I lie in the midst of lions, •
people whose teeth are spears and arrows,
and their tongue a sharp sword.
6 Be exalted, O God, above the heavens, •
and your glory over all the earth.
7 They have laid a net for my feet;
my soul is pressed down; •
they have dug a pit before me
and will fall into it themselves.
8 My heart is ready, O God, my heart is ready; •
I will sing and give you praise.
9 Awake, my soul; awake, harp and lyre, •
that I may awaken the dawn.
10 I will give you thanks, O Lord, among the peoples; •
I will sing praise to you among the nations.
11 For your loving-kindness is as high as the heavens, •
and your faithfulness reaches to the clouds.
12 Be exalted, O God, above the heavens, •
and your glory over all the earth.
1 O God, you are my God; eagerly I seek you; •
my soul is athirst for you.
2 My flesh also faints for you, •
as in a dry and thirsty land where there is no water.
3 So would I gaze upon you in your holy place, •
that I might behold your power and your glory.
4 Your loving-kindness is better than life itself •
and so my lips shall praise you.
5 I will bless you as long as I live •
and lift up my hands in your name.
6 My soul shall be satisfied, as with marrow and fatness, •
and my mouth shall praise you with joyful lips,
7 When I remember you upon my bed •
and meditate on you in the watches of the night.
8 For you have been my helper •
and under the shadow of your wings will I rejoice.
9 My soul clings to you; •
your right hand shall hold me fast.
10 But those who seek my soul to destroy it •
shall go down to the depths of the earth;
11 Let them fall by the edge of the sword •
and become a portion for jackals.
12 But the king shall rejoice in God;
all those who swear by him shall be glad, •
for the mouth of those who speak lies shall be stopped.
my soul is athirst for you.
2 My flesh also faints for you, •
as in a dry and thirsty land where there is no water.
3 So would I gaze upon you in your holy place, •
that I might behold your power and your glory.
4 Your loving-kindness is better than life itself •
and so my lips shall praise you.
5 I will bless you as long as I live •
and lift up my hands in your name.
6 My soul shall be satisfied, as with marrow and fatness, •
and my mouth shall praise you with joyful lips,
7 When I remember you upon my bed •
and meditate on you in the watches of the night.
8 For you have been my helper •
and under the shadow of your wings will I rejoice.
9 My soul clings to you; •
your right hand shall hold me fast.
10 But those who seek my soul to destroy it •
shall go down to the depths of the earth;
11 Let them fall by the edge of the sword •
and become a portion for jackals.
12 But the king shall rejoice in God;
all those who swear by him shall be glad, •
for the mouth of those who speak lies shall be stopped.
5 At the end of the (last) pause there may follow
Almighty God, who wonderfully created us in your own image and yet more wonderfully restored us in your Son Jesus Christ: grant that, as he came to share our human nature, so we may be partakers in his divine glory; who is alive and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.
6 One or two Readings from the Bible as appointed
1 Samuel 17:1–30 (Listen)
David and Goliath
17:1 Now the Philistines gathered their armies for battle. And they were gathered at Socoh, which belongs to Judah, and encamped between Socoh and Azekah, in Ephes-dammim. 2 And Saul and the men of Israel were gathered, and encamped in the Valley of Elah, and drew up in line of battle against the Philistines. 3 And the Philistines stood on the mountain on the one side, and Israel stood on the mountain on the other side, with a valley between them. 4 And there came out from the camp of the Philistines a champion named Goliath of Gath, whose height was six1 cubits2 and a span. 5 He had a helmet of bronze on his head, and he was armed with a coat of mail, and the weight of the coat was five thousand shekels3 of bronze. 6 And he had bronze armor on his legs, and a javelin of bronze slung between his shoulders. 7 The shaft of his spear was like a weaver’s beam, and his spear’s head weighed six hundred shekels of iron. And his shield-bearer went before him. 8 He stood and shouted to the ranks of Israel, “Why have you come out to draw up for battle? Am I not a Philistine, and are you not servants of Saul? Choose a man for yourselves, and let him come down to me. 9 If he is able to fight with me and kill me, then we will be your servants. But if I prevail against him and kill him, then you shall be our servants and serve us.” 10 And the Philistine said, “I defy the ranks of Israel this day. Give me a man, that we may fight together.” 11 When Saul and all Israel heard these words of the Philistine, they were dismayed and greatly afraid.
12 Now David was the son of an Ephrathite of Bethlehem in Judah, named Jesse, who had eight sons. In the days of Saul the man was already old and advanced in years.4 13 The three oldest sons of Jesse had followed Saul to the battle. And the names of his three sons who went to the battle were Eliab the firstborn, and next to him Abinadab, and the third Shammah. 14 David was the youngest. The three eldest followed Saul, 15 but David went back and forth from Saul to feed his father’s sheep at Bethlehem. 16 For forty days the Philistine came forward and took his stand, morning and evening.
17 And Jesse said to David his son, “Take for your brothers an ephah5 of this parched grain, and these ten loaves, and carry them quickly to the camp to your brothers. 18 Also take these ten cheeses to the commander of their thousand. See if your brothers are well, and bring some token from them.”
19 Now Saul and they and all the men of Israel were in the Valley of Elah, fighting with the Philistines. 20 And David rose early in the morning and left the sheep with a keeper and took the provisions and went, as Jesse had commanded him. And he came to the encampment as the host was going out to the battle line, shouting the war cry. 21 And Israel and the Philistines drew up for battle, army against army. 22 And David left the things in charge of the keeper of the baggage and ran to the ranks and went and greeted his brothers. 23 As he talked with them, behold, the champion, the Philistine of Gath, Goliath by name, came up out of the ranks of the Philistines and spoke the same words as before. And David heard him.
24 All the men of Israel, when they saw the man, fled from him and were much afraid. 25 And the men of Israel said, “Have you seen this man who has come up? Surely he has come up to defy Israel. And the king will enrich the man who kills him with great riches and will give him his daughter and make his father’s house free in Israel.” 26 And David said to the men who stood by him, “What shall be done for the man who kills this Philistine and takes away the reproach from Israel? For who is this uncircumcised Philistine, that he should defy the armies of the living God?” 27 And the people answered him in the same way, “So shall it be done to the man who kills him.”
28 Now Eliab his eldest brother heard when he spoke to the men. And Eliab’s anger was kindled against David, and he said, “Why have you come down? And with whom have you left those few sheep in the wilderness? I know your presumption and the evil of your heart, for you have come down to see the battle.” 29 And David said, “What have I done now? Was it not but a word?” 30 And he turned away from him toward another, and spoke in the same way, and the people answered him again as before.
Footnotes
[1] 17:4
[2] 17:4
[3] 17:5
[4] 17:12
[5] 17:17
(ESV)
Luke 23:56–24:12 (Listen)
56 Then they returned and prepared spices and ointments.
On the Sabbath they rested according to the commandment.
The Resurrection
24:1 But on the first day of the week, at early dawn, they went to the tomb, taking the spices they had prepared. 2 And they found the stone rolled away from the tomb, 3 but when they went in they did not find the body of the Lord Jesus. 4 While they were perplexed about this, behold, two men stood by them in dazzling apparel. 5 And as they were frightened and bowed their faces to the ground, the men said to them, “Why do you seek the living among the dead? 6 He is not here, but has risen. Remember how he told you, while he was still in Galilee, 7 that the Son of Man must be delivered into the hands of sinful men and be crucified and on the third day rise.” 8 And they remembered his words, 9 and returning from the tomb they told all these things to the eleven and to all the rest. 10 Now it was Mary Magdalene and Joanna and Mary the mother of James and the other women with them who told these things to the apostles, 11 but these words seemed to them an idle tale, and they did not believe them. 12 But Peter rose and ran to the tomb; stooping and looking in, he saw the linen cloths by themselves; and he went home marveling at what had happened.
(ESV)
The reading may be followed by a period of silence for reflection, a hymn or
May your word live in us
and bear much fruit to your glory.
and bear much fruit to your glory.
7 The Canticle, The Hymn of the Word
In the beginning was the Word:
and the Word was with God,
And the Word was God:
He was in the beginning with God.
All things were made through him:
and without him, was not anything made that was made.
In him was life:
and the life was the light of all people.
The light shines in the darkness:
and the darkness has not overcome it.
He was in the world:
and the world was made through him
yet the world knew him not.
He came to his own home:
and his own people received him not.
But to all who received him who believed on his name:
he has given power to become children of God;
Who were born not of blood
nor of the will of the flesh:
nor of the will of a man but of God,
And the Word became flesh:
and dwelt among us full of grace and truth;
We have beheld his glory:
glory as of the only Son from the Father,
And from his fullness have we all received:
the grace upon grace.
and the Word was with God,
And the Word was God:
He was in the beginning with God.
All things were made through him:
and without him, was not anything made that was made.
In him was life:
and the life was the light of all people.
The light shines in the darkness:
and the darkness has not overcome it.
He was in the world:
and the world was made through him
yet the world knew him not.
He came to his own home:
and his own people received him not.
But to all who received him who believed on his name:
he has given power to become children of God;
Who were born not of blood
nor of the will of the flesh:
nor of the will of a man but of God,
And the Word became flesh:
and dwelt among us full of grace and truth;
We have beheld his glory:
glory as of the only Son from the Father,
And from his fullness have we all received:
the grace upon grace.
John 1:1-5, 10-14, 16
8 The Apostles' Creed may be said
I believe in God, the Father almighty,
creator of heaven and earth.
I believe in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord,
who was conceived by the Holy Spirit,
born of the Virgin Mary,
suffered under Pontius Pilate,
was crucified, died, and was buried;
he descended to the dead.
On the third day he rose from the dead;
he ascended into heaven,
he is seated at the right hand of the Father,
and he will come 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.
creator of heaven and earth.
I believe in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord,
who was conceived by the Holy Spirit,
born of the Virgin Mary,
suffered under Pontius Pilate,
was crucified, died, and was buried;
he descended to the dead.
On the third day he rose from the dead;
he ascended into heaven,
he is seated at the right hand of the Father,
and he will come 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.
9 The Prayers
Lord have mercy.
Christ have mercy Lord have mercy.
Christ have mercy Lord have mercy.
10 The Lord's Prayer and the Collect of the Day
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.
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.
Almighty God,
who gave to your servant N special gifts of grace
to understand and teach the truth in Christ Jesus:
grant that, enlightened by this teaching,
we may know you, the one true God,
and Jesus Christ whom you have sent;
who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit,
one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
who gave to your servant N special gifts of grace
to understand and teach the truth in Christ Jesus:
grant that, enlightened by this teaching,
we may know you, the one true God,
and Jesus Christ whom you have sent;
who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit,
one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
11 Intercessions and Thanksgivings may be made according to local custom and need.
12 The Morning Collect
Lord and heavenly Father,
you have brought us safely to this new day:
keep us by your mighty power, protect us from sin,
guard us from every kind of danger,
and in all we do this day
direct us in the fulfilling of your purpose,
through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
you have brought us safely to this new day:
keep us by your mighty power, protect us from sin,
guard us from every kind of danger,
and in all we do this day
direct us in the fulfilling of your purpose,
through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
13
The Lord be with you.
And also with you.
Let us praise the Lord.
Thanks be to God.
And also with you.
Let us praise the Lord.
Thanks be to God.
May the God of peace equip us with everything good so that we may do his will; and may he work in us that which is pleasing in his sight; through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory for ever. Amen.
see Hebrews 13:20-21
1
The Lord our God the Almighty reigns.
Let us rejoice and exult and give God the glory.
Let us rejoice and exult and give God the glory.
Revelation 19:6-7
Glory to God; Father, Son and Holy Spirit:
as in the beginning, so now, and for ever. Amen.
as in the beginning, so now, and for ever. Amen.
2 The Opening Canticle, A Song for Joy
Be joyful in the Lord, all the earth:
serve the Lord with gladness
and come before his presence with singing.
Know that the Lord is God:
it is he who has made us, and we are his;
for 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 praise his name.
For the Lord is good;
his loving-kindness is everlasting:
and his faithfulness endures from age to age.
serve the Lord with gladness
and come before his presence with singing.
Know that the Lord is God:
it is he who has made us, and we are his;
for 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 praise his name.
For the Lord is good;
his loving-kindness is everlasting:
and his faithfulness endures from age to age.
Psalm 100
3 The Opening Prayer
The day is now passed and the night is at hand.
Let us pray with one heart and mind.
Let us pray with one heart and mind.
Silence may be kept
Father of lights, receive the prayer and praise we offer you as our evening sacrifice; make us a light for all the world, delivered by your goodness from all the works of darkness; through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord. Amen.
4 The Psalms as appointed. A pause is observed after each
1 Hear my crying, O God, •
and listen to my prayer.
2 From the end of the earth I call to you with fainting heart; •
O set me on the rock that is higher than I.
3 For you are my refuge, •
a strong tower against the enemy.
4 Let me dwell in your tent for ever •
and take refuge under the cover of your wings.
5 For you, O God, will hear my vows; •
you will grant the request of those who fear your name.
6 You will add length of days to the life of the king, •
that his years may endure throughout all generations.
7 May he sit enthroned before God for ever; •
may steadfast love and truth watch over him.
8 So will I always sing praise to your name, •
and day by day fulfil my vows.
and listen to my prayer.
2 From the end of the earth I call to you with fainting heart; •
O set me on the rock that is higher than I.
3 For you are my refuge, •
a strong tower against the enemy.
4 Let me dwell in your tent for ever •
and take refuge under the cover of your wings.
5 For you, O God, will hear my vows; •
you will grant the request of those who fear your name.
6 You will add length of days to the life of the king, •
that his years may endure throughout all generations.
7 May he sit enthroned before God for ever; •
may steadfast love and truth watch over him.
8 So will I always sing praise to your name, •
and day by day fulfil my vows.
1 On God alone my soul in stillness waits; •
from him comes my salvation.
2 He alone is my rock and my salvation, •
my stronghold, so that I shall never be shaken.
3 How long will all of you assail me to destroy me, •
as you would a tottering wall or a leaning fence?
4 They plot only to thrust me down from my place of honour;
lies are their chief delight; •
they bless with their mouth, but in their heart they curse.
5 Wait on God alone in stillness, O my soul; •
for in him is my hope.
6 He alone is my rock and my salvation, •
my stronghold, so that I shall not be shaken.
7 In God is my strength and my glory; •
God is my strong rock; in him is my refuge.
8 Put your trust in him always, my people; •
pour out your hearts before him, for God is our refuge.
9 The peoples are but a breath,
the whole human race a deceit; •
on the scales they are altogether lighter than air.
10 Put no trust in oppression; in robbery take no empty pride; •
though wealth increase, set not your heart upon it.
11 God spoke once, and twice have I heard the same, •
that power belongs to God.
12 Steadfast love belongs to you, O Lord, •
for you repay everyone according to their deeds.
from him comes my salvation.
2 He alone is my rock and my salvation, •
my stronghold, so that I shall never be shaken.
3 How long will all of you assail me to destroy me, •
as you would a tottering wall or a leaning fence?
4 They plot only to thrust me down from my place of honour;
lies are their chief delight; •
they bless with their mouth, but in their heart they curse.
5 Wait on God alone in stillness, O my soul; •
for in him is my hope.
6 He alone is my rock and my salvation, •
my stronghold, so that I shall not be shaken.
7 In God is my strength and my glory; •
God is my strong rock; in him is my refuge.
8 Put your trust in him always, my people; •
pour out your hearts before him, for God is our refuge.
9 The peoples are but a breath,
the whole human race a deceit; •
on the scales they are altogether lighter than air.
10 Put no trust in oppression; in robbery take no empty pride; •
though wealth increase, set not your heart upon it.
11 God spoke once, and twice have I heard the same, •
that power belongs to God.
12 Steadfast love belongs to you, O Lord, •
for you repay everyone according to their deeds.
1 Hear my voice, O God, in my complaint; •
preserve my life from fear of the enemy.
2 Hide me from the conspiracy of the wicked, •
from the gathering of evildoers.
3 They sharpen their tongue like a sword •
and aim their bitter words like arrows,
4 That they may shoot at the blameless from hiding places; •
suddenly they shoot, and are not seen.
5 They hold fast to their evil course; •
they talk of laying snares, saying, ‘Who will see us?’
6 They search out wickedness and lay a cunning trap, •
for deep are the inward thoughts of the heart.
7 But God will shoot at them with his swift arrow, •
and suddenly they shall be wounded.
8 Their own tongues shall make them fall, •
and all who see them shall wag their heads in scorn.
9 All peoples shall fear and tell what God has done, •
and they will ponder all his works.
10 The righteous shall rejoice in the Lord
and put their trust in him, •
and all that are true of heart shall exult.
preserve my life from fear of the enemy.
2 Hide me from the conspiracy of the wicked, •
from the gathering of evildoers.
3 They sharpen their tongue like a sword •
and aim their bitter words like arrows,
4 That they may shoot at the blameless from hiding places; •
suddenly they shoot, and are not seen.
5 They hold fast to their evil course; •
they talk of laying snares, saying, ‘Who will see us?’
6 They search out wickedness and lay a cunning trap, •
for deep are the inward thoughts of the heart.
7 But God will shoot at them with his swift arrow, •
and suddenly they shall be wounded.
8 Their own tongues shall make them fall, •
and all who see them shall wag their heads in scorn.
9 All peoples shall fear and tell what God has done, •
and they will ponder all his works.
10 The righteous shall rejoice in the Lord
and put their trust in him, •
and all that are true of heart shall exult.
5 At the end of the (last) pause there may follow
God our Saviour, you sent Jesus into the world of sin, and delivered him up to death for us: kindle in our hearts the same love with which he loved his own to the end; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.
6 One or two Readings from the Bible as appointed
Jeremiah 33:14–26 (Listen)
The Lord’s Eternal Covenant with David
14 “Behold, the days are coming, declares the LORD, when I will fulfill the promise I made to the house of Israel and the house of Judah. 15 In those days and at that time I will cause a righteous Branch to spring up for David, and he shall execute justice and righteousness in the land. 16 In those days Judah will be saved, and Jerusalem will dwell securely. And this is the name by which it will be called: ‘The LORD is our righteousness.’
17 “For thus says the LORD: David shall never lack a man to sit on the throne of the house of Israel, 18 and the Levitical priests shall never lack a man in my presence to offer burnt offerings, to burn grain offerings, and to make sacrifices forever.”
19 The word of the LORD came to Jeremiah: 20 “Thus says the LORD: If you can break my covenant with the day and my covenant with the night, so that day and night will not come at their appointed time, 21 then also my covenant with David my servant may be broken, so that he shall not have a son to reign on his throne, and my covenant with the Levitical priests my ministers. 22 As the host of heaven cannot be numbered and the sands of the sea cannot be measured, so I will multiply the offspring of David my servant, and the Levitical priests who minister to me.”
23 The word of the LORD came to Jeremiah: 24 “Have you not observed that these people are saying, ‘The LORD has rejected the two clans that he chose’? Thus they have despised my people so that they are no longer a nation in their sight. 25 Thus says the LORD: If I have not established my covenant with day and night and the fixed order of heaven and earth, 26 then I will reject the offspring of Jacob and David my servant and will not choose one of his offspring to rule over the offspring of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. For I will restore their fortunes and will have mercy on them.”
(ESV)
James 4:1–12 (Listen)
Warning Against Worldliness
4:1 What causes quarrels and what causes fights among you? Is it not this, that your passions1 are at war within you?2 2 You desire and do not have, so you murder. You covet and cannot obtain, so you fight and quarrel. You do not have, because you do not ask. 3 You ask and do not receive, because you ask wrongly, to spend it on your passions. 4 You adulterous people!3 Do you not know that friendship with the world is enmity with God? Therefore whoever wishes to be a friend of the world makes himself an enemy of God. 5 Or do you suppose it is to no purpose that the Scripture says, “He yearns jealously over the spirit that he has made to dwell in us”? 6 But he gives more grace. Therefore it says, “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.” 7 Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. 8 Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded. 9 Be wretched and mourn and weep. Let your laughter be turned to mourning and your joy to gloom. 10 Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will exalt you.
11 Do not speak evil against one another, brothers.4 The one who speaks against a brother or judges his brother, speaks evil against the law and judges the law. But if you judge the law, you are not a doer of the law but a judge. 12 There is only one lawgiver and judge, he who is able to save and to destroy. But who are you to judge your neighbor?
Footnotes
[1] 4:1
[2] 4:1
[3] 4:4
[4] 4:11
(ESV)
The reading may be followed by a period of silence for reflection, a hymn or
May your word live in us
and bear much fruit to your glory.
and bear much fruit to your glory.
7 The Canticle, The Song of Christ's Glory
Christ Jesus was in the form of God:
but he did not cling to equality with God.
He emptied himself, taking on the form of a servant:
and was born in our human likeness.
Being found in human form, he humbled himself:
and became obedient unto death,
even death on a cross.
Therefore God has highly exalted him:
and bestowed on him the name above every name,
That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow:
in heaven and on earth and under the earth;
And every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord:
to the glory of God the Father.
but he did not cling to equality with God.
He emptied himself, taking on the form of a servant:
and was born in our human likeness.
Being found in human form, he humbled himself:
and became obedient unto death,
even death on a cross.
Therefore God has highly exalted him:
and bestowed on him the name above every name,
That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow:
in heaven and on earth and under the earth;
And every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord:
to the glory of God the Father.
Philippians 2:5b-11
8 The Prayers
Lord have mercy.
Christ have mercy Lord have mercy.
Christ have mercy Lord have mercy.
9 The Lord's Prayer and the Collect of the Day
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.
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.
Almighty God,
who gave to your servant N special gifts of grace
to understand and teach the truth in Christ Jesus:
grant that, enlightened by this teaching,
we may know you, the one true God,
and Jesus Christ whom you have sent;
who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit,
one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
who gave to your servant N special gifts of grace
to understand and teach the truth in Christ Jesus:
grant that, enlightened by this teaching,
we may know you, the one true God,
and Jesus Christ whom you have sent;
who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit,
one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
10 Intercessions and Thanksgivings may be made according to local custom and need.
11 The Evening Collect
Be present, merciful God, and protect us through the hours of the night: that we, who are wearied by the changes and chances of this fleeting world, may rest on your eternal changelessness; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
12
The Lord be with you.
And also with you.
Let us praise the Lord.
Thanks be to God.
And also with you.
Let us praise the Lord.
Thanks be to God.
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.
2 Corinthians 13:14