Evening Prayer

Easter
If then you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Colossians 3:1

Confession of Sin
Most merciful God,
I confess that I have sinned against you in thought, word, and deed, by what I have done, and by what I have left undone. I have not loved you with my whole heart; I have not loved my neighbors as myself. I am truly sorry and I humbly repent. For the sake of your Son Jesus Christ, have mercy on me and forgive me; that I may delight in your will, and walk in your ways, to the glory of your Name. Amen.

Almighty God have mercy on us, forgive us all our sins through our Lord Jesus Christ, strengthen us in all goodness, and by the power of the Holy Spirit keep us in eternal life. Amen

The Invitatory and Psalter

Lord, open our lips. And our mouth shall proclaim your praise
Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be forever. Amen   Alleluia


From Easter to Pentecost, Christ the Passover  can be used in place of the Venite or Jubilate.

Christ the Passover  1 Corinthians 5:7 to 8; Romans 6:9 to 11; 1 Corinthians 15:20 to 22
Alleluia.
Christ our Passover has been sacrificed for us;
  therefore let us keep the feast,
Not with 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.

  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 in Christ shall all be made alive. Alleluia.

Venite
The Antiphon:

ⓘ   A short, reflective sentence recited alongside a psalm to deepen our understanding of the readings.

Christ has entered, not a sanctuary made with hands, a copy of the true one, but into heaven itself, now to appear in the presence of God on our behalf. Hebrews 9:24

The Lessons

Psalm 61

⁽¹⁾ HEAR my cry, O God; Attend to my prayer. ⁽²⁾ From the end of the earth I will cry to You, When my heart is overwhelmed; Lead me to the rock that is higher than I. ⁽³⁾ For You have been a shelter for me, A strong tower from the enemy. ⁽⁴⁾ I will abide in Your tabernacle forever; I will trust in the shelter of Your wings. Selah

⁽⁵⁾ For You, O God, have heard my vows; You have given me the heritage of those who fear Your name. ⁽⁶⁾ You will prolong the king's life, His years as many generations. ⁽⁷⁾ He shall abide before God forever. Oh, prepare mercy and truth, which may preserve him! ⁽⁸⁾ So I will sing praise to Your name forever, That I may daily perform my vows.

Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be forever. Amen.

Psalm 62

⁽¹⁾ Truly my soul silently waits for God; From Him comes my salvation. ⁽²⁾ He only is my rock and my salvation; He is my defense; I shall not be greatly moved. ⁽³⁾ How long will you attack a man? You shall be slain, all of you, Like a leaning wall and a tottering fence. ⁽⁴⁾ They only consult to cast him down from his high position; They delight in lies; They bless with their mouth, But they curse inwardly. Selah

⁽⁵⁾ My soul, wait silently for God alone, For my expectation is from Him. ⁽⁶⁾ He only is my rock and my salvation; He is my defense; I shall not be moved. ⁽⁷⁾ In God is my salvation and my glory; The rock of my strength, And my refuge, is in God. ⁽⁸⁾ Trust in Him at all times, you people; Pour out your heart before Him; God is a refuge for us. Selah

⁽⁹⁾ Surely men of low degree are a vapor, Men of high degree are a lie; If they are weighed on the scales, They are altogether lighter than vapor. ⁽¹⁰⁾ Do not trust in oppression, Nor vainly hope in robbery; If riches increase, Do not set your heart on them. ⁽¹¹⁾ God has spoken once, Twice I have heard this: That power belongs to God. ⁽¹²⁾ Also to You, O Lord, belongs mercy; For You render to each one according to his work.

Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be forever. Amen.

Wisdom Chapter 10

⁽¹⁾ Wisdom protected the father of the world, the first man that was ever formed, when he alone had been created. She saved him from his own sinful act ⁽²⁾ and gave him the strength to master everything on earth. ⁽³⁾ But there was an unrighteous man who abandoned Wisdom; he destroyed himself by killing his brother in a fit of anger. ⁽⁴⁾ Because of that sin, the earth was flooded, but Wisdom saved it again. She guided a righteous man in his flimsy wooden boat.

⁽⁵⁾ Once when the nations were frustrated in their wicked plans, Wisdom recognized a righteous man and kept him innocent in God's sight. She gave him strength to obey God's command in spite of his love for his son. ⁽⁶⁾ Wisdom rescued a righteous man while ungodly people were dying. He escaped the flames that destroyed the Five Cities. ⁽⁷⁾ You can still see the evidence of their wickedness. The land there is barren and smoking. The plants bear fruit that never ripens, and a pillar of salt stands as a monument to one who did not believe. ⁽⁸⁾ The people of those cities ignored Wisdom and could not tell right from wrong. Not only that, but the remains of their cities still remind us of the foolish way they lived, so that their failure can never be forgotten.

⁽⁹⁾ But Wisdom rescued her servants from the danger. ⁽¹⁰⁾ A righteous man once had to escape from his brother's anger, and Wisdom guided him in the right way. She showed him God's kingdom and allowed him to know about holy things. She made him prosperous and successful in his work. ⁽¹¹⁾ When others were greedy for what he had, and wanted to take it away from him, Wisdom stood by him and made him rich. ⁽¹²⁾ She protected him from his enemies who were waiting for a chance to attack him. She gave him victory in a hard fight, so that he might realize that nothing can make a person stronger than serving God.

⁽¹³⁾ Once a righteous man was sold into slavery, but Wisdom did not abandon him. She kept him safe from sin. She went to prison with him ⁽¹⁴⁾ and never left him until she had given him power over an empire and made him the ruler of people who had once oppressed him. She let it be known that a false accusation had been made against him, and she gave him eternal honor. ⁽¹⁵⁾ Wisdom once rescued an innocent and holy people from a nation of oppressors. ⁽¹⁶⁾ She entered the soul of one of God's servants and stood up to dreaded kings by performing miracles.

⁽¹⁷⁾ She rewarded God's people for their hardships. She guided them along a miraculous journey. She gave them shade during the day and brilliant starlight at night. ⁽¹⁸⁾ She led them through the deep waters of the Red Sea, ⁽¹⁹⁾ but she drowned their enemies and washed their bodies up on the shore. ⁽²⁰⁾ And so the righteous looted the ungodly. They sang hymns to your holy name, O Lord; together they praised you for defending them.

⁽²¹⁾ Wisdom gave speech to those who could not speak; she even caused babies to speak clearly.

The Word of the Lord.
Thanks be to God.

Romans Chapter 12

⁽¹⁾ I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service. ⁽²⁾ And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God. ⁽³⁾ For I say, through the grace given to me, to everyone who is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think, but to think soberly, as God has dealt to each one a measure of faith. ⁽⁴⁾ For as we have many members in one body, but all the members do not have the same function,

⁽⁵⁾ so we, being many, are one body in Christ, and individually members of one another. ⁽⁶⁾ Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, let us use them: if prophecy, let us prophesy in proportion to our faith; ⁽⁷⁾ or ministry, let us use it in our ministering; he who teaches, in teaching; ⁽⁸⁾ he who exhorts, in exhortation; he who gives, with liberality; he who leads, with diligence; he who shows mercy, with cheerfulness.

⁽⁹⁾ Let love be without hypocrisy. Abhor what is evil. Cling to what is good. ⁽¹⁰⁾ Be kindly affectionate to one another with brotherly love, in honor giving preference to one another; ⁽¹¹⁾ not lagging in diligence, fervent in spirit, serving the Lord; ⁽¹²⁾ rejoicing in hope, patient in tribulation, continuing steadfastly in prayer;

⁽¹³⁾ distributing to the needs of the saints, given to hospitality. ⁽¹⁴⁾ Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse. ⁽¹⁵⁾ Rejoice with those who rejoice, and weep with those who weep. ⁽¹⁶⁾ Be of the same mind toward one another. Do not set your mind on high things, but associate with the humble. Do not be wise in your own opinion.

⁽¹⁷⁾ Repay no one evil for evil. Have regard for good things in the sight of all men. ⁽¹⁸⁾ If it is possible, as much as depends on you, live peaceably with all men. ⁽¹⁹⁾ Beloved, do not avenge yourselves, but rather give place to wrath; for it is written, 'Vengeance is Mine, I will repay,' says the Lord. ⁽²⁰⁾ Therefore 'If your enemy is hungry, feed him; If he is thirsty, give him a drink; For in so doing you will heap coals of fire on his head.'

⁽²¹⁾ Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.

The Word of the Lord.
Thanks be to God.

Luke Chapter 8

⁽¹⁾ Now it came to pass, afterward, that He went through every city and village, preaching and bringing the glad tidings of the kingdom of God. And the twelve were with Him, ⁽²⁾ and certain women who had been healed of evil spirits and infirmities -- Mary called Magdalene, out of whom had come seven demons, ⁽³⁾ and Joanna the wife of Chuza, Herod's steward, and Susanna, and many others who provided for Him from their substance. ⁽⁴⁾ And when a great multitude had gathered, and they had come to Him from every city, He spoke by a parable:

⁽⁵⁾ A sower went out to sow his seed. And as he sowed, some fell by the wayside; and it was trampled down, and the birds of the air devoured it. ⁽⁶⁾ Some fell on rock; and as soon as it sprang up, it withered away because it lacked moisture. ⁽⁷⁾ And some fell among thorns, and the thorns sprang up with it and choked it. ⁽⁸⁾ But others fell on good ground, sprang up, and yielded a crop a hundredfold.' When He had said these things He cried, 'He who has ears to hear, let him hear!'

⁽⁹⁾ Then His disciples asked Him, saying, 'What does this parable mean?' ⁽¹⁰⁾ And He said, 'To you it has been given to know the mysteries of the kingdom of God, but to the rest it is given in parables, that 'Seeing they may not see, And hearing they may not understand.' ⁽¹¹⁾ Now the parable is this: The seed is the word of God. ⁽¹²⁾ Those by the wayside are the ones who hear; then the devil comes and takes away the word out of their hearts, lest they should believe and be saved.

⁽¹³⁾ But the ones on the rock are those who, when they hear, receive the word with joy; and these have no root, who believe for a while and in time of temptation fall away. ⁽¹⁴⁾ Now the ones that fell among thorns are those who, when they have heard, go out and are choked with cares, riches, and pleasures of life, and bring no fruit to maturity. ⁽¹⁵⁾ But the ones that fell on the good ground are those who, having heard the word with a noble and good heart, keep it and bear fruit with patience.

The Gospel of the Lord.
Thanks be to God.

A Song to the Lamb       Revelation 4:11, 5:9 to 10, 13

Splendor and honor 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.
And so, to him who sits upon the throne,
and to Christ the Lamb,
Be worship and praise, dominion and splendor,
forever and forevermore.

The Song of Zechariah Luke 1: 68 to 79

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 forever.

Glory to you in the splendor of your temple;
on the throne of your majesty, glory to you.
Glory to you, seated between the Cherubim;
we will praise you and highly exalt you forever.

Glory to you, beholding the depths;
in the high vault of heaven, glory to you.
Glory to you, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit;
we will praise you and highly exalt you forever.



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 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.

The Prayers

The Lord's Prayer   Traditional
Suffrages A

Seasonal Collect:  Fifth Sunday of Easter
Almighty God, whom truly to know is everlasting life: Grant us so perfectly to know your Son Jesus Christ to be the way, the truth, and the life, that we may steadfastly follow his steps in the way that leads to eternal life; through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord, who lives and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, forever and ever. Amen.

Collect of the Day: 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, your 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.

A Prayer 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.

Personal Prayers and Reflection

This is a time to pause, consider and listen. Pray for yourself and others. When you lack the words


Closing Prayers   Thanksgiving

Conclude with the following
Let Us Bless the Lord, Thanks be to God

May the God of hope fill us with all joy and peace in believing through the power of the Holy Spirit. Amen. Romans 15:13