Tuesday, January 27

The Vespers Office To Be Observed on the Hour or Half Hour Between 5 and 8 p.m

The Call to Prayer

Open my lips, O Lord,* and my mouth shall proclaim your praise.

Psalm 51:16

The Request for Presence

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.

Psalm 31:3

The Greeting

O gracious Light, pure brightness of the everlasting 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 praised by happy voices, O Son of God, O giver of life, and to be glorified through all the worlds.

Phos Hilaron

The Hymn

Lift high the cross, the love of Christ proclaim Till all the world adore his sacred name. Come, Christians, follow this triumphant sign. The hosts of God in unity combine. Lift high the cross, the love of Christ proclaim Till all the world adore his sacred name. Each newborn servant of the Crucified Bears on the brow the seal of him who died. Lift high the cross, the love of Christ proclaim Till all the world adore his sacred name. O Lord, once lifted on the glorious tree, As you have promised, draw the world to thee. Lift high the cross, the love of Christ proclaim Till all the world adore his sacred name. So shall our song of triumph ever be: Praise to the Crucified for victory!

George Kitchin and Michael Newbolt

The Refrain for the Vespers Lessons

In God the LORD, whose word I praise, in God I trust and will not be afraid . . .

Psalm 56:10

The Vespers Psalm

You Are My God

But as for me, I have trusted in you, O LORD.* I have said, “You are my God. My times are in your hand;* rescue me from the hand of my enemies, and from those who persecute me. Make your face to shine upon your servant,* and in your loving-kindness save me.” LORD, let me not be ashamed for having called upon you . . .

Psalm 31:14–17

The Refrain

In God the LORD, whose word I praise, in God I trust and will not be afraid . . .

The Small Verse

Into your hands I commend my spirit for you have redeemed me, O God of my life. Glory be to the Father, and to the Son and to the comforting Spirit.

Traditional

The Lord’s Prayer

Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be your Name. May your kingdom come, and 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. Lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil; for yours are the kingdom and the power and the glory forever and ever. Amen.

The Prayer Appointed for the Week

Almighty and everlasting God, you govern all things both in heaven and on earth: Mercifully hear the supplications of your people, and in our time grant us your peace; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.†

The Concluding Prayer of the Church

O God, you have brought me near to an innumerable company of angels, and to the spirits of just men made perfect: Grant me during my earthly pilgrimage to abide in their fellowship, and in your heavenly country to become partakers of their joy; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.†