Unapologetically Episcopalian

Morning Prayer ~ December 22, 2010

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Fourth Wednesday of Advent

Prayers are from the Book of Common Prayer 1979 and are provided here to complement, not replace, the Daily Office.

• Opening Sentence

The glory of the Lord shall be revealed, and all flesh shall see it together. Isaiah 40:5

• Collect of the Day ~ Fourth Sunday of Advent

Purify our conscience, Almighty God, by your daily visitation, that your Son Jesus Christ, at his coming, may find in us a mansion prepared for himself; who lives and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

• A Collect 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, nor be overcome by adversity; and in all we do, direct us to the fulfilling of your purpose; through Jesus Christ our Lord.  Amen.

• A Prayer Attributed to St. Francis

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. Amen.

• For Mission

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 Savior Jesus Christ.  Amen.

• Carol

The Choir of the Cathedral of St. Paul, St. Paul, Minnesota, sings E'en So, Lord Jesus, Quickly Come.
 
 

Evensong ~ December 21, 2010

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Fourth Tuesday of Advent

St. Thomas the Apostle

Prayers are from the Book of Common Prayer 1979 and are provided here to complement, not replace, the Daily Office.

• Opening Sentence

Grace to you and peace from God our Father and from the Lord Jesus Christ. Philippians 1:2

• Collect of the Day ~ Saint Thomas

Everliving God, who strengthened your apostle Thomas with firm and certain faith in your Son's resurrection: Grant us so perfectly and without doubt to believe in Jesus Christ, our Lord and our God, that our faith may never be found wanting in your sight; through him who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

• A Collect 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 Savior Jesus Christ.  Amen.

• For Those We Love

Almighty God, we entrust all who are dear to us to your never-failing care and love, for this life and the life to come, knowing that you are doing for them better things than we can desire or pray for; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

• For Mission

O God and Father of all, whom the whole heavens adore: Let the whole earth also worship you, all nations obey you, all tongues confess and bless you, and men and women everywhere love you and serve you in peace; through Jesus
Christ our Lord.  Amen.

• Psalm

Kathleen Battle sings W.A. Mozart's setting of Psalm 117, Laudate Dominum. 

 
 

Morning Prayer ~ December 21, 2010

 

 

The Fourth Tuesday of Advent

St. Thomas the Apostle

Prayers are from the Book of Common Prayer 1979 and are provided here to complement, not replace, the Daily Office.

• Opening Sentence

Their sound has gone out into all lands, and their message to the ends of the world. Psalm 19:4

• Collect of the Day ~ Saint Thomas

Everliving God, who strengthened your apostle Thomas with firm and certain faith in your Son's resurrection: Grant us so perfectly and without doubt to believe in Jesus Christ, our Lord and our God, that our faith may never be found wanting in your sight; through him who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

• A Collect for Peace

O God, the author of peace and lover of concord, to know you is eternal life and to serve you is perfect freedom: Defend us, you humble servants, in all assaults of our enemies; that we, surely trusting in your defense, may not fear the power of any adversaries; through the might of Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

• For the Victims of Addiction

Blessed Lord, 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 from them the fears that beset them; strengthen them in the work of their recovery; and to those who care for them, give patient understanding and persevering love. Amen.

• For Mission

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 Savior Jesus Christ.  Amen.

• Psalm

The Westminster Abbey Choir sings Edward Bairstow's setting of Psalm 67.


 

Evensong ~ December 20, 2010

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Fourth Friday of Advent

Prayers are from the Book of Common Prayer 1979 and are provided here to complement, not replace, the Daily Office.

• Opening Sentence

Let my prayer be set forth in your sight as incense, the lifting up of my hands as the evening sacrifice. Psalm 141:2

• Collect of the Day ~ Fourth Sunday of Advent

Purify our conscience, Almighty God, by your daily visitation, that your Son Jesus Christ, at his coming, may find in us a mansion prepared for himself; who lives and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

• A Collect for Peace

Most holy God, the source of all good desires, all right judgments, and all just works: Give to us, your servants, that peace which the world cannot give, so that our minds may be fixed on the doing of your will, and that we, being delivered from the fear of all enemies, may live in peace and quietness; through the mercies of Christ Jesus our Savior. Amen.

• For Knowledge of God's Creation

Almighty and everlasting God, you made the universe with all its marvelous order, its atoms, worlds, and galaxies, and the infinite complexity of living creatures: Grant that, as we probe the mysteries of your creation, we may come to know you more truly, and more surely fulfill our role in your eternal purpose; in the name of Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

• For Mission

Keep watch, dear Lord, with those who work, or watch, or weep this night, and give your angels charge over those who sleep.  Tend the sick, Lord Christ; give rest to the weary, bless the dying, soothe the suffering, pity the afflicted, shield the joyous; and all for your love’s sake.  Amen.

• The Choir of Clare College sings Gabriel's Message.

   
 

Morning Prayer ~ December 20, 2010

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Fourth Monday of Advent

Prayers are from the Book of Common Prayer 1979 and are provided here to complement, not replace, the Daily Office.

• Opening Sentence

Watch, for you do not know when the master of the house will come, in the evening, or at midnight, or at cockcrow, or in the morning, lest he come suddenly and find you asleep. Mark 13:35, 36

• Collect of the Day ~ Fourth Sunday of Advent

Purify our conscience, Almighty God, by your daily visitation, that your Son Jesus Christ, at his coming, may find in us a mansion prepared for himself; who lives and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

• A Collect for the Renewal of Life

O God, the King eternal, whose light divides the day from the night and turns the shadow of death into the morning:  Drive far from us all wrong desires, incline our hearts to keep your law, and guide our feet into the way of peace; that, having done your will with cheerfulness during the day, we may, when night comes, rejoice to give you thanks; through Jesus Christ our Lord.  Amen.

• For Those Who Live Alone

Almighty God, whose Son had nowhere to lay his head: Grant that those who live alone may not be lonely in their solitude, but that, following in his steps, they may find fulfillment in loving you and their neighbors; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

• For Mission

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 Savior Jesus Christ.  Amen.

• Carol

O Come, O Come, Emmanuel


 

Evensong ~ December 19, 2010

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Fourth Sunday of Advent

Prayers are from the Book of Common Prayer 1979 and are provided here to complement, not replace, the Daily Office.

• Opening Sentence

Jesus said, "I am the light of the world; whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but have the light of life." John 8:12

• Collect of the Day ~ Fourth Sunday of Advent

Purify our conscience, Almighty God, by your daily visitation, that your Son Jesus Christ, at his coming, may find in us a mansion prepared for himself; who lives and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

• A Collect for Sundays

Lord God, whose Son our Savior Jesus Christ triumphed over the powers of death and prepared for us our place in the new Jerusalem; Grant that we, who have this day given thanks for his resurrection, may praise you in that City of which he is the light, and where he lives and reigns, for ever and ever. Amen.

• For Mission

O God, you manifest in your servants the signs of your presence:  Send forth upon us the Spirit of love, that in companionship with one another your abounding grace may increase among us; through Jesus Christ our Lord.  Amen.

• A Prayer of St. Chrysostom

Almighty God, you have given us grace at this time with one accord to make our common supplication to you; and you have promised through your well-beloved Son that when two or three are gathered together in his Name you will be in the midst of them: Fulfill now, O Lord, 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 life everlasting. Amen.

• Carol

Dame Kiri Te Kanawa, Michael George, and the Choirs of Coventry and Lichfield Cathedrals singing "In The Bleak Midwinter". Recorded in 1994 at the Coventry Cathedral. 


   1. In the bleak midwinter, frosty wind made moan,
      Earth stood hard as iron, water like a stone;
      Snow had fallen, snow on snow, snow on snow,
      In the bleak midwinter, long ago.

   2. Our God, heaven cannot hold Him, nor earth sustain;
      Heaven and earth shall flee away when He comes to reign.
      In the bleak midwinter a stable place sufficed
      The Lord God Almighty, Jesus Christ.

   3. Enough for Him, Whom cherubim, worship night and day,
      Breastful of milk, and a mangerful of hay;
      Enough for Him, Whom angels fall before,
      The ox and ass and camel which adore.

   4. Angels and archangels may have gathered there,
      Cherubim and seraphim thronged the air;
      But His mother only, in her maiden bliss,
      Worshipped the beloved with a kiss.

   5. What can I give Him, poor as I am?
      If I were a shepherd, I would bring a lamb;
      If I were a Wise Man, I would do my part;
      Yet what I can I give Him: give my heart.

Words: Christina Rossetti, 1872
Music: Cranham

 

Morning Prayer ~ December 19, 2010

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Fourth Sunday of Advent

Prayers are from the Book of Common Prayer 1979 and are provided here to complement, not replace, the Daily Office.

• Opening Sentence

In the wilderness prepare the way of the Lord, make straight in the desert a highway for our God. Isaiah 40:3

• Collect of the Day ~ Fourth Sunday of Advent

Purify our conscience, Almighty God, by your daily visitation, that your Son Jesus Christ, at his coming, may find in us a mansion prepared for himself; who lives and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

• A Collect for Sundays

Lord God, whose Son our Savior Jesus Christ triumphed over the powers of death and prepared for us our place in the new Jerusalem: Grant that we, who have this day given thanks for his resurrection, may praise you in that City of which he is the light, and where he lives and reigns for ever and ever. Amen.

• For the Church

Gracious Father, we pray for your holy Catholic Church. Fill it with all truth, in all truth with all peace. Where it is corrupt, purify it; where it is in error, direct it; where in any thing it is amiss, reform it. Where it is right, strengthen it; where it is in want, provide for it; where it is divided, reunite it; for the sake of Jesus Christ your Son our Savior. Amen.

• For Mission

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 Savior Jesus Christ. Amen.

• Carol

The Sons of Orpheus singing Of the Father's Love Begotten
 

 

Evensong ~ December 18, 2010

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Third Saturday of Advent 

Prayers are from the Book of Common Prayer 1979 and are provided here to complement, not replace, the Daily Office.

• Opening Sentence

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

• Collect of the Day ~ Third Sunday of Advent

Stir up your power, O Lord, and with great might come among us; and, because we are sorely hindered by our sins, let your bountiful grace and mercy speedily help and deliver us; through Jesus Christ our Lord, to whom, with you and the Holy Spirit, be honor and glory, now and for ever. Amen.

• A Collect for Saturdays

God, the source of eternal light: Shed forth your unending day upon us who watch for you, that our lips may praise you, our lives may bless you, and our worship on the morrow give you glory; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

• For Schools and Colleges

Eternal God, bless all schools, colleges, and universities, that they may be lively centers 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. Amen.

• For Mission

God, you have made of one blood all the peoples of the earth, and sent your blessed Son to preach peace to those who are far off and to those who are near: Grant that people everywhere may seek after you and find you; bring the nations into your fold; pour out your Spirit upon all flesh, and hasten the coming of your kingdom; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

• Carol

Frederica von Stade sings Lo, How a Rose E'er Blooming.

 

 

Morning Prayer ~ December 18, 2010

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Third Saturday of Advent

Prayers are from the Book of Common Prayer 1979 and are provided here to complement, not replace, the Daily Office.

• Opening Sentence

The glory of the Lord shall be revealed, and all flesh shall see it together. Isaiah 40:5

• Collect of the Day ~ Third Sunday of Advent

Stir up your power, O Lord, and with great might come among us; and, because we are sorely hindered by our sins, let your bountiful grace and mercy speedily help and deliver us; through Jesus Christ our Lord, to whom, with you and the Holy Spirit, be honor and glory, now and for ever. Amen.

• A Collect for Saturdays

Almighty God, who after the creation of the world rested from all you works and sanctified a day of rest for all your creatures: Grant that we, putting away all earthly anxieties, may be duly prepared for the service of your sanctuary, and that our rest here upon earth may be a preparation for the eternal rest promised to your people in heaven; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

• 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 our public and private wealth that all may find suitable and fulfilling employment, and receive just payment for their labor; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

• For Mission

O God, you have made of one blood all the peoples of the earth, and sent your blessed Son to preach peace to those who are far off and to those who are near:  Grant that people everywhere may seek after you and find you; bring the nations into your fold; pour out your Spirit upon all flesh; and hasten the coming of your kingdom; through Jesus Christ our Lord.  Amen.

• Carol

The Choir of King's College, Cambridge, sings the Morten Lauridsen setting of O Magnum Mysterium. 

Latin text

    O magnum mysterium,
    et admirabile sacramentum,
    ut animalia viderent Dominum natum,
    jacentem in praesepio!
    Beata Virgo, cujus viscera
    meruerunt portare
    Dominum Christum.
    Alleluia.

English translation

    O great mystery,
    and wonderful sacrament,
    that animals should see the new-born Lord,
    lying in a manger!
    Blessed is the Virgin whose womb
    was worthy to bear
    Christ the Lord.
    Alleluia!

 

Evensong ~ December 17, 2010

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Third Friday of Advent

Prayers are from the Book of Common Prayer 1979 and are provided here to complement, not replace, the Daily Office.

• Opening Sentence

I will bless the Lord who gives me counsel; my heart teaches me, night after night. I have set the Lord always before me; because he is at my right hand, I shall not fall. Psalm 16:7,8

• Collect of the Day ~ Third Sunday of Advent

Stir up your power, O Lord, and with great might come among us; and, because we are sorely hindered by our sins, let your bountiful grace and mercy speedily help and deliver us; through Jesus Christ our Lord, to whom, with you and the Holy Spirit, be honor and glory, now and for ever. Amen.

• A Collect for Fridays

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.

• A Prayer of Self-Dedication

Almighty and eternal God, so draw our hearts to you, so guide our minds, so fill our imaginations, so control our wills, that we may be wholly yours, utterly dedicated unto you; and then use us, we pray you, as you will, and always to your glory and the welfare of your people; through our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Amen.

• For Mission

Keep watch, dear Lord, with those who work, or watch, or weep this night, and give your angels charge over those who sleep.  Tend the sick, Lord Christ; give rest to the weary, bless the dying, soothe the suffering, pity the afflicted, shield the joyous; and all for your love’s sake.  Amen.

• Carol

The Choir of King's College, Cambridge, sings The Lord at First Did Adam Make. 

The Lord at first did Adam make
Out of the dust and clay,
And in his nostrils breathed life,
E’en as the scriptures say.
And then in Eden’s paradise
He plac`ed him to dwell,
That he within it should remain,
To dress and keep it well:

Now let good Christians wake from sleep,
Let darkness turn to day,
And sinners find in mutual love
The straight and glorious way.

Now mark the goodness of the Lord
Which he to mankind bore;
His mercy soon he did extend,
Lost man for to restore:
And then, for to redeem our souls
From death and hellish thrall,
He said his own dear Son should be
The Saviour of us all:

Now for the blessings we enjoy,
Which are from heaven above,
Let us renounce all wickedness,
And live in perfect love:
Then shall we do Christ’s own command,
E’en his own written word;
And when we die, in heaven shall
Enjoy our living Lord:

And now the tide is nigh at hand,
In which our Saviour came;
Let us rejoice and merry be
In keeping of the same:
Let’s feed the poor and hungry souls,
And such as do it crave;
Then when we die, in heaven we
Our sure reward shall have:

Words, Some Ancient Christmas Carols, 1822
davies gilbert and others
Music, traditional, arr., s. j. cleobury
Oxford University Press