2017 01/01 Sunday Hours of Prayer (New Year's Day)

Sunday, January 1^st

New Year’s Day            

Sunday  Afternoon

(Large Hour)  2:00pm, 45 min.

The Coming of the Light

Light and peace, in Jesus Christ our Lord.

Thanks be to God.       [The candle is lit.]

Behold, I bring you good news of a great joy,

Which will come to all the people;

For unto you is born, in the city of David,

A Savior, who is Christ the Lord. [based on Luke 2:10-11]

Scripture with Reflection & Praise

Psalm 8 and Matthew 2:13-23

Doxology [one of two options below, or other… may be spoken together or sung]

         Praise God, from whom all blessings flow;

         Praise God, all creatures here below: Alleluia! Alleluia!

         Praise God, the source of all our gifts!

         Praise Jesus Christ, whose power uplifts!

         Praise the Spirit, Holy Spirit! Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia!       OR

         Praise God, from whom all blessings flow;

         Praise him, all creatures here below;

         Praise him above, ye heavenly host;

         Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost. Amen.      

Ignatian Exercises [or Centering Prayer or Prayer Beads opt.]

[If you are observing this time in community, a Spiritual Director can lead this time. If on your own, you can seek out a Director or follow the guidance of the Holy Spirit and the words printed here. We recommend use of a Spiritual Director.]

The River

This is a great spiritual exercise with which to start a new year.

Think of your life like a River.

What is your “source;” your origin?

What landscapes have you flowed through?

How have you changed the landscape, and how has it changed you?

What obstructions and hazards have you faced, bypassed, or gone through?

Has your “flow” – your progress, your power – ever been exploited, diverted, or drained off by others?

Has it gone underground at times, spread out into a swamp, or run dry?

What detours have you navigated?

What landmarks have ordained your progress… good or bad?

Gloria Patri [traditional or “modern” version… traditional; may be spoken together or sung]

         Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost.

         As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be,

         world without end. Amen. Amen.              

OR                    

[“modern;” spoken together]

         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.

Prayer

Unison Prayer

Through every minute of this day, be with me, Lord!

Through every day of all this week, be with me, Lord!

Through every week of all this year, be with me, Lord!

Through all the years of all this life, be with me, Lord!

So shall the days and weeks and years

         be threaded on a golden cord.

And all draw on with sweet accord

         unto your fullness, Lord,

that so, when time is past,

         by grace I may at last,

                 be with you, Lord.    

(John Oxenham, 1852-1941, pen name

of British novelist & poet William Dunkerley;

hymn-writer, mountain climber, church deacon.)

Intercessions

In the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit

Together, let us pray for…

…our family/friends/congregations.

     Lord, in your mercy, receive our prayer.

…those who suffer and those in trouble.

     Lord, in your mercy, receive our prayer.

…the concerns of this community.

     Lord, in your mercy, receive our prayer.

…the world, its people, and its leaders.

     Lord, in your mercy, receive our prayer.

…the church universal: its leaders, its people, and its mission.

     Lord, in your mercy, receive our prayer.

…the communion of saints.

     Lord, in your mercy, receive our prayer.

[other intercessions, suitable for the day or the hour, can be added to the list above]

     Lord, in your mercy, receive our prayer.

[individual concerns and joys may now be shared]

     Lord, in your mercy, receive our prayer.

[when all are finished sharing:]

We pray all these things

In Jesus’ Name. Amen.

Scripture - John 6:41-47 & 16:23b-30

Song: Auld Lang Syne (Graham Brown Band; Traditional Scottish)

Lord’s Prayer & Kyrie

[traditional version – The Lord’s Prayer]

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, and the power, and the glory, forever. Amen.

[The Kyrie – “Lord, have mercy” – English:]

Lord, have mercy. Christ, have mercy. Lord, have mercy.

[repeat as many times as desired]         

OR

[The Kyrie in Greek:]

Kyrie eleison. Christe eleison. Kyrie eleison.

Dismissal/The Light Goes Forth

The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ,

and the love of God,

and the communion of the Holy Spirit

be with us all! Amen.        

     [The candle may be carried out or extinguished]

Evening   (Vespers)    

(Large Hour) 5:30pm 30 min.

Call to Worship

O gracious light, pure brightness

         of the ever-living Father in heaven,

O Jesus Christ, holy and blessed!

Now as we come to the end of our daily work,

         and the setting of the sun,

         and our eyes behold the vesper light,

We give you praise, O God:

         Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.

O Son of God, O Giver of Life,

You are worthy at all times to be praised

         by happy voices, and to be glorified

         throughout all the worlds.                 

          [The “Phos Hilaron,” O Gracious Light]

Scripture with Reflection & Praise

Psalm 147:12-20 and Ecclesiastes 3:1-13    

Doxology [one of two options below, or other… may be spoken together or sung]

         Praise God, from whom all blessings flow;

         Praise God, all creatures here below: Alleluia! Alleluia!

         Praise God, the source of all our gifts!

         Praise Jesus Christ, whose power uplifts!

         Praise the Spirit, Holy Spirit! Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia!          

         OR   

         Praise God, from whom all blessings flow;

Praise him, all creatures here below;

         Praise him above, ye heavenly host;

         Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost. Amen.      

Reflection [if in Community, a leader or other member may share a reflection,

otherwise, consider reflecting using Lectio Divina, app. D]

1.    Lectio (Reading)

2.    Mediatio (Reflecting)

3.    Oratio (Responding)

4.    Contemplatio (Resting)

Gloria Patri [traditional or “modern” version… traditional; may be spoken together or sung]

         Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost.

         As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be,

         world without end. Amen. Amen.      

OR

         [“modern;” spoken together]

         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.

Prayer

Unison Prayer

Through every minute of this day, be with me, Lord!

Through every day of all this week, be with me, Lord!

Through every week of all this year, be with me, Lord!

Through all the years of all this life, be with me, Lord!

So shall the days and weeks and years

         be threaded on a golden cord.

And all draw on with sweet accord

         unto your fullness, Lord,

that so, when time is past,

         by grace I may at last,

                 be with you, Lord.

(John Oxenham, 1852-1941,

hymn-writer, mountain climber, church deacon;

pen name of British novelist & poet William Dunkerley)

Intercessions

In the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit

Together, let us pray for…

…our family/friends/congregations.

     Lord, in your mercy, receive our prayer.

…those who suffer and those in trouble.

     Lord, in your mercy, receive our prayer.

…the concerns of this community.

     Lord, in your mercy, receive our prayer.

…the world, its people, and its leaders.

     Lord, in your mercy, receive our prayer.

…the church universal: its leaders, its people, and its mission.

     Lord, in your mercy, receive our prayer.

…the communion of saints.

     Lord, in your mercy, receive our prayer.

[other intercessions, suitable for the day or the hour, can be added to the list above]

     Lord, in your mercy, receive our prayer.

[individual concerns and joys may now be shared]

     Lord, in your mercy, receive our prayer.

[when all are finished sharing:]

We pray all these things

In Jesus’ Name. Amen.

Psalm 148

Song: Auld Lang Syne (Graham Brown Band; Traditional Scottish)

Lord’s Prayer & Kyrie

[traditional version – The Lord’s Prayer]

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, and the power, and the glory, forever. Amen.

[The Kyrie – “Lord, have mercy” – English:]

Lord, have mercy. Christ, have mercy. Lord, have mercy.

[repeat as many times as desired]

OR

[The Kyrie in Greek:]

Kyrie eleison. Christe eleison. Kyrie eleison.

Dismissal/The Light Goes Forth

The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ,

and the love of God,

and the communion of the Holy Spirit

be with us all! Amen.         

     [The candle may be carried out or extinguished]

Family Bedtime             

(Hora Somni)

(Small Hour)    8:00pm

  

Sunday – New Year’s Day – Meditation

Night    (Compline)    

(Small Hour)  10:00pm 25 min.

The Coming of the Light

Light and peace, in Jesus Christ our Lord.

Thanks be to God.          [The candle is lit]

If I say, “Surely the darkness will cover me,

     and the light around me turn to night,”

darkness is not dark to you, O Lord;

the night is as bright as the day;

darkness and light to you are both alike.         

          [Psalm 139:10-11]

Psalm 66 and Jeremiah 31:7-14

Centering Prayer (20 min.)

The Kyrie

2016 12/31 Saturday Hours of Prayer (New Year's Eve)

NEW YEAR’S EVE ! ! !

Saturday, December 31^st

Vigil     (Matins)       

(Small Hour)            4:45am, 25 min.

The Coming of the Light

Light and peace, in Jesus Christ our Lord.

Thanks be to God.         [The candle is lit.]

Centering Prayer (20 min.) or [Prayer Beads]

[See Appendix C or Appendix B for additional help, information, or instruction.]

Psalm 46  

The Light Goes Forth

The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ,

and the love of God,

and the communion of the Holy Spirit

be with us all! Amen.                                 

          [The candle is extinguished.]

  

Early Morning (Lauds)

(Small Hour) 6:15am 20min.

The Coming of the Light

Light and peace, in Jesus Christ our Lord.

Thanks be to God.       [The candle is lit.]

Call to this Day as Worship

This is the day that the Lord has made!

Let us rejoice and be glad in it!

Lord, I make this day a gift to Thee.

Help me live this day to Your glory!

Lectio Divina – Reading: Revelation 21:1-6

Lectio Divina (“Divine/Sacred Reading”) is an ancient devotional practice (see Appendix D for full information). Listen with your heart for what the Holy Spirit would say to you as you read.  Traditionally, there are 4 “Moments:”

1.    Lectio (Reading)

2.    Meditatio (Reflecting)

3.    Oratio (Responding)

4.    Contemplatio (Resting)

The Light Goes Forth

The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ,

and the love of God,

and the communion of the Holy Spirit

be with us all! Amen.        

          [The candle may be extinguished]

Morning   (Prime-Terce)

(Large Hour) 8am 30 min.

The Coming of the Light

Light and peace, in Jesus Christ our Lord.

Thanks be to God.       [The candle is lit.]

Behold, I bring you good news of a great joy,

Which will come to all the people;

For unto you is born this day in the city of David,

A Savior, who is Christ the Lord. [based on Luke 2:10-11]

Scripture with Reflection & Praise

Psalm 95 and John 8:12-19

Doxology [one of two options below, or other]

         [may be spoken together or sung]

         Praise God, from whom all blessings flow;

         Praise God, all creatures here below: Alleluia! Alleluia!

         Praise God, the source of all our gifts!

         Praise Jesus Christ, whose power uplifts!

         Praise the Spirit, Holy Spirit! Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia!           

OR   

         Praise God, from whom all blessings flow;

         Praise him, all creatures here below;

         Praise him above, ye heavenly host;

         Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost. Amen.      

                         

Reflection [if in Community, someone may share a reflection, otherwise/or Lectio Divina:]

1.    Lectio (Reading)

2.    Mediatio (Reflecting)

3.    Oratio (Responding)

4.    Contemplatio (Resting)]

Gloria Patri [traditional or “modern” version]

         [traditional; may be spoken together or sung]

         Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost.

         As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be,

         world without end. Amen. Amen.              

OR

         [“modern;” spoken together]

         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.

Song: I Want to be Ready

Prayer

Unison Prayer

I am no longer my own, but thine.

Put me to what thou wilt, rank me with whom thou wilt.

Put me to doing, put me to suffering.

Let me be employed for thee or laid aside for thee,

exalted for thee or brought low for thee.

Let me be full, let me be empty.

Let me have all things, let me have nothing.

I freely and heartily yield all things to thy pleasure and disposal.

And now, O glorious and blessed God,

Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, thou are mine, and I am thine.

So be it.

And the covenant which I have made on earth,

let it be ratified in heaven. Amen.                       

          (John Wesley’s ‘Covenant Prayer’)

Intercessions

In the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit

Together, let us pray for…

…our family/friends/congregations.

     Lord, in your mercy, receive our prayer.

…those who suffer and those in trouble.

     Lord, in your mercy, receive our prayer.

…the concerns of this community.

     Lord, in your mercy, receive our prayer.

…the world, its people, and its leaders.

     Lord, in your mercy, receive our prayer.

…the church universal: its leaders, its people, and its mission.

     Lord, in your mercy, receive our prayer.

…the communion of saints.

     Lord, in your mercy, receive our prayer.

[other intercessions, suitable for the day or the hour, can be added to the list above]

     Lord, in your mercy, receive our prayer.

[individual concerns and joys may now be shared]

     Lord, in your mercy, receive our prayer.

[when all are finished sharing:]

We pray all these things

In Jesus’ Name. Amen.

Ignatian Exercises [Prayer Beads opt.]

[If you are observing this time in community, a Spiritual Director can lead this time. If on your own, you can seek out a Director or follow the guidance of the Holy Spirit and the words printed here.  We recommend use of a Spiritual Director.]

Deepest Desire

Draw your own Life Tree.

Remember all the things you’ve reflected upon this week…

Remember the things you have longed for… your root, deepest desires.

Include “secret dreams” tangled in the roots, unseen by others.

Include the things that – for good or ill – have clipped off some of the branches (remember the “Branch Desires” that are often not connected to the Roots… what has God done to prevent growth in the wrong directions?).

As the year draws to a close, and a new year open, how do you hope your Life Tree will grow in this new year? 

List the things you hope for right now, and into the New Year.

Offer it all up to God in prayer. Hold onto it to look back on as the year unfolds.

 

The Lord’s Prayer & Kyrie

[traditional version – The Lord’s Prayer]

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, and the power, and the glory, forever. Amen. 

[The Kyrie – “Lord, have mercy” – English:]

Lord, have mercy. Christ, have mercy. Lord, have mercy.

[repeat as many times as desired]         

OR           

[The Kyrie in Greek:]

Kyrie eleison. Christe eleison. Kyrie eleison.

        

The Light Goes Forth

The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ,

and the love of God,

and the communion of the Holy Spirit

be with us all! Amen.        

     [The candle may be carried out or extinguished]

Noon   (Sext)  

(Large Hour) 12:15pm 30 min.

The Coming of the Light

Light and peace, in Jesus Christ our Lord.

Thanks be to God.        [The candle is lit.]

Behold, the dwelling of God

is with humankind.

He will dwell with them,

they shall be his people,

God himself will be with them,

and he will be their God. [based on Rev. 21:3]

Scripture with Reflection & Praise

Psalm 127 and 2 Corinthians 5:16-6:2

Doxology [one of two options below, or other… may be spoken together or sung]

         Praise God, from whom all blessings flow;

         Praise God, all creatures here below: Alleluia! Alleluia!

         Praise God, the source of all our gifts!

         Praise Jesus Christ, whose power uplifts!

         Praise the Spirit, Holy Spirit! Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia!          

         OR           

         Praise God, from whom all blessings flow;

         Praise him, all creatures here below;

         Praise him above, ye heavenly host;

         Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost. Amen.

                                                  

Reflection [if in Community, someone may share a word, or use Lectio Divina:]

1.    Lectio (Reading)

2.    Mediatio (Reflecting)

3.    Oratio (Responding)

4.    Contemplatio (Resting)]

Gloria Patri [traditional or “modern” version… traditional; may be spoken together or sung]

         Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost.

         As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be,

         world without end. Amen. Amen.               OR

         [“modern;” spoken together]

         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.

Prayer

Unison Prayer

I am no longer my own, but thine.

Put me to what thou wilt, rank me with whom thou wilt.

Put me to doing, put me to suffering.

Let me be employed for thee or laid aside for thee,

exalted for thee or brought low for thee.

Let me be full, let me be empty.

Let me have all things, let me have nothing.

I freely and heartily yield all things to thy pleasure and disposal.

And now, O glorious and blessed God,

Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, thou are mine, and I am thine.

So be it.

And the covenant which I have made on earth,

let it be ratified in heaven. Amen.                        

                                (John Wesley’s ‘Covenant Prayer’)

Intercessions

In the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit

Together, let us pray for…

…our family/friends/congregations.

     Lord, in your mercy, receive our prayer.

…those who suffer and those in trouble.

     Lord, in your mercy, receive our prayer.

…the concerns of this community.

     Lord, in your mercy, receive our prayer.

…the world, its people, and its leaders.

     Lord, in your mercy, receive our prayer.

…the church universal: its leaders, its people, and its mission.

     Lord, in your mercy, receive our prayer.

…the communion of saints.

     Lord, in your mercy, receive our prayer.

[other intercessions, suitable for the day or the hour, can be added to the list above]

     Lord, in your mercy, receive our prayer.

[individual concerns and joys may now be shared]

     Lord, in your mercy, receive our prayer.

[when all are finished sharing:]

We pray all these things

In Jesus’ Name. Amen.

Examen [Prayer Beads opt.]

[If praying in community, a leader equipped to do so may “direct” the following prayer exercise. Otherwise, trust the Spirit & follow the directions on your own.]

[Ignatius recommended praying an “Examen” prayer especially prior to sleeping, but also at the noon hour. John Wesley used questions to prayerfully reflect, al la Ignatius’ Examen, and used them morning and night. We recommend a short-form Examen at noon.] 

Examen: Thankfulness (Saturday evening)

1.    Have I allotted some time for thanking God for the blessings of the past week?

2.    Have I, in order to be the more sensible of them, seriously and deliberately considered the several circumstances that attended them?

3.    Have I considered each of them as an obligation to greater love, and, consequently, to stricter holiness?

Song: I Want to be Ready

Lord’s Prayer & Kyrie

[traditional version – The Lord’s Prayer]

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, and the power, and the glory, forever. Amen.   

[The Kyrie – “Lord, have mercy” – English:]

Lord, have mercy. Christ, have mercy. Lord, have mercy.

[repeat as many times as desired]                 

OR

[The Kyrie in Greek:]

Kyrie eleison. Christe eleison. Kyrie eleison.

The Light Goes Forth

The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ,

and the love of God,

and the communion of the Holy Spirit

be with us all! Amen.        

     [The candle may be carried out or extinguished]

Afternoon   (Nones)     

(Small Hour) 4pm 10min.

Introduction

“I have fought the good fight, I have finished the

  race, I have kept the faith.”                                  

“I press on toward the goal for the prize  

  of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.”         

“Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great

  a cloud of witnesses,

  let us also lay aside every weight, and the sin

  which clings so closely, and let us run

  with endurance the race that is set before us.”  

Psalm 48

Welcoming Prayer

1.    Focus, feel and sink into the feelings, emotions, thoughts, sensations and commentaries in your body.

2.    Welcome God in the feelings, emotions, thoughts, commentaries or sensations in your body by saying, “Welcome.”

3.    Let go by repeating the following sentences:

·        “I let go of the desire for security, affection, control.”

·        “I let go of the desire to change this feeling/sensation.”

Kyrie

[The Kyrie – “Lord, have mercy” – English:]

Lord, have mercy. Christ, have mercy. Lord, have mercy.

[repeat as many times as desired]         

OR

[The Kyrie in Greek:]

Kyrie eleison. Christe eleison. Kyrie eleison.

Evening   (Vespers)    

(Large Hour) 5:30pm 30 min.

Call to Worship

O gracious light, pure brightness

         of the ever-living Father in heaven,

O Jesus Christ, holy and blessed!

Now as we come to the end of our daily work,

         and the setting of the sun,

         and our eyes behold the vesper light,

We give you praise, O God:

         Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.

O Son of God, O Giver of Life,

You are worthy at all times to be praised

         by happy voices, and to be glorified

         throughout all the worlds.

          [The “Phos Hilaron,” O Gracious Light]

Scripture with Reflection & Praise

Psalm 90 and Isaiah 26:1-9 & 65:15b-25

Doxology [one of two options below, or other… may be spoken together or sung]

         Praise God, from whom all blessings flow;

         Praise God, all creatures here below: Alleluia! Alleluia!

         Praise God, the source of all our gifts!

         Praise Jesus Christ, whose power uplifts!

         Praise the Spirit, Holy Spirit! Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia!                             OR   

         Praise God, from whom all blessings flow;

         Praise him, all creatures here below;

         Praise him above, ye heavenly host;

         Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost. Amen.      

                         

Reflection [someone may offer a reflection on one of the Scriptures above.

Gloria Patri [traditional or “modern” version… traditional; may be spoken together or sung]

         Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost.

         As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be,

         world without end. Amen. Amen.      

OR

         [“modern;” spoken together]

         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.

Prayer

Unison Prayer

I am no longer my own, but thine.

Put me to what thou wilt, rank me with whom thou wilt.

Put me to doing, put me to suffering.

Let me be employed for thee or laid aside for thee,

exalted for thee or brought low for thee.

Let me be full, let me be empty.

Let me have all things, let me have nothing.

I freely and heartily yield all things to thy pleasure and disposal.

And now, O glorious and blessed God,

Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, thou are mine, and I am thine.

So be it.

And the covenant which I have made on earth,

let it be ratified in heaven. Amen.                       

(John Wesley’s ‘Covenant Prayer’)

Intercessions

In the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit

Together, let us pray for…

…our family/friends/congregations.

     Lord, in your mercy, receive our prayer.

…those who suffer and those in trouble.

     Lord, in your mercy, receive our prayer.

…the concerns of this community.

     Lord, in your mercy, receive our prayer.

…the world, its people, and its leaders.

     Lord, in your mercy, receive our prayer.

…the church universal: its leaders, its people, and its mission.

     Lord, in your mercy, receive our prayer.

…the communion of saints.

     Lord, in your mercy, receive our prayer.

[other intercessions, suitable for the day or the hour, can be added to the list above]

     Lord, in your mercy, receive our prayer.

[individual concerns and joys may now be shared]

     Lord, in your mercy, receive our prayer.

[when all are finished sharing:]

We pray all these things

In Jesus’ Name. Amen.

Examen (20 min.) or Centering Prayer (20 min.) or Prayer Beads

[See Appendix E for Examen; Appendix C for Centering Prayer; Appendix B for Beads]

Examen: My Past, Present, and Future

1.    Center – Take a deep breath. Let your mind become quiet. Ask God to make his presence known around and within you.

2.    Gratitude – Spend a few moments thanking God for one or two blessings of today (or year).

3.    Past – Ask God to reveal your past spiritual state of being this past day (or over a longer period). Were you spiritually free or unfree? Ask God to show you the consequences of spiritual freedoms and un-freedoms. Thank God for the good, ask for forgiveness and healing from painful memories.

4.    Present – Ask God to reveal your spiritual state at the present moment. What are your strongest feelings and thoughts now? Turn them over to God, and ask him to make them holy. At this moment, are you free or unfree? Give thanks or ask for healing.

5.    Future – What attitudes and feelings are you likely to have tomorrow (or as you move into this New Year)? Will it be a challenge to live in God’s freedom tomorrow (into this New Year)? If so, why and how will it be challenging? What will be the most challenging moment tomorrow (and what challenges do you anticipate encountering in the first part of the New Year)? What grace or virtue will you need from God to live in his freedom? Ask God for it. (Strength, Fortitude, Patience, Fidelity, Peace, Gentleness, etc.)

6.    New Freedom – What would tomorrow (or the first part of the year) be like if you were spiritually free for a day (or mostly free for the first week(s) or month(s))? Daydream about such a wonderful day (or period of time). Allow yourself to imagine great desires (coming from God) that rise up in you tomorrow, and the days thereafter. Ask God to show you how to walk through this kind of day.

7.    Resolution – If you feel called to do so, make a resolution to be the kind of person God is calling you to be; a particular way to live in freedom.

Song: I Want to be Ready

Lord’s Prayer & Kyrie

[traditional version – The Lord’s Prayer]

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, and the power, and the glory, forever. Amen.  

[The Kyrie – “Lord, have mercy” – English:]

Lord, have mercy. Christ, have mercy. Lord, have mercy.

[repeat as many times as desired]         

OR

[The Kyrie in Greek:]

Kyrie eleison. Christe eleison. Kyrie eleison.

The Light Goes Forth

The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ,

and the love of God,

and the communion of the Holy Spirit

be with us all! Amen.        

     [The candle may be carried out or extinguished]

Family Bedtime  

(Hora Somni)   (Small Hour)

8pm

[Appendix F has full details, additional resources, etc. for this non-traditional Hour.] 

Saturday – Prayer through Music [Appendix F]

Night     (Compline)    

(Small Hour) 10:00pm 15 min.

The Coming of the Light

Light and peace, in Jesus Christ our Lord.

Thanks be to God.        [The candle is lit.]

Behold, the dwelling of God

is with humankind.

He will dwell with them,

they shall be his people,

God himself will be with them,

and he will be their God. [based on Rev. 21:3]

Scripture - 1 Kings 3:5-14

Examen or Centering Prayer (20 min.) or Prayer Beads

[Appendix E for Examen, Appendix C for Centering Prayer, Appendix B for Prayer Beads.]

Examen: My Past, Present, and Future

1.    Center – Take a deep breath. Let your mind become quiet. Ask God to make his presence known around and within you.

2.    Gratitude – Spend a few moments thanking God for one or two blessings of today (or year).

3.    Past – Ask God to reveal your past spiritual state of being this past day (or over a longer period). Were you spiritually free or unfree? Ask God to show you the consequences of spiritual freedoms and un-freedoms. Thank God for the good, ask for forgiveness and healing from painful memories.

4.    Present – Ask God to reveal your spiritual state at the present moment. What are your strongest feelings and thoughts now? Turn them over to God, and ask him to make them holy. At this moment, are you free or unfree? Give thanks or ask for healing.

5.    Future – What attitudes and feelings are you likely to have tomorrow (or as you move into this New Year)? Will it be a challenge to live in God’s freedom tomorrow (into this New Year)? If so, why and how will it be challenging? What will be the most challenging moment tomorrow (and what challenges do you anticipate encountering in the first part of the New Year)? What grace or virtue will you need from God to live in his freedom? Ask God for it. (Strength, Fortitude, Patience, Fidelity, Peace, Gentleness, etc.)

6.    New Freedom – What would tomorrow (or the first part of the year) be like if you were spiritually free for a day (or mostly free for the first week(s) or month(s))? Daydream about such a wonderful day (or period of time). Allow yourself to imagine great desires (coming from God) that rise up in you tomorrow, and the days thereafter. Ask God to show you how to walk through this kind of day.

7.    Resolution – If you feel called to do so, make a resolution to be the kind of person God is calling you to be; a particular way to live in freedom.

Kyrie

[The Kyrie – “Lord, have mercy” – English:]

Lord, have mercy. Christ, have mercy. Lord, have mercy. 

[repeat as desired]                   

OR

[The Kyrie in Greek:]

Kyrie eleison. Christe eleison. Kyrie eleison.

The Light Goes Forth

The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ,

and the love of God,

and the communion of the Holy Spirit

be with us all! Amen.        

     [The candle may be carried out or extinguished]