2016 11/29 Tuesday Hours of Prayer (Advent)

Tuesday, November 29^th

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.)

[Keep silence in the presence of God. Pick a word or phrase to inwardly return to when thoughts or distractions interrupt your stillness. See the Centering Prayer post.]

or [Prayer Beads]

[Those who cannot do Centering Prayer may use Prayer Beads or engage other forms of active yet contemplative prayer during this time.]  [See the Prayer Beads post.]

Psalm 5

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 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: Hebrews 11:32-40

Lectio Divina 

(“Divine/Sacred Reading”) is an ancient devotional practice (see Lectio Divina post). 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)

Conclusion/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)  8:00am 30 min.

The Coming of the Light

Light and peace, in Jesus Christ our Lord.

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

It is not ourselves we proclaim;

We proclaim Christ Jesus as Lord.

We are servants of others, for Jesus’ sake.

Let light shine out of darkness!

For God has caused his light to shine within us!

The revelation of the light of God’s glory

in the face of Jesus Christ!  [2 Corinthians 4:5-6]

Scripture with Reflection & Praise

Psalm 6 and Luke20:9-18

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… 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.

Song: 
People, Look East (by Eleanor Farjeon)
          

Prayer

Unison Prayer

O burning mountain, O chosen sun,

O perfect moon, O fathomless well,

O unattainable height, O clearness beyond measure,

O wisdom without end, O mercy without limit,

O strength beyond resistance, O crown of all majesty,

The humblest you created sings your praise.

                                   (Mechthild of Magdenburg, 1210-1280,

                                    German mystic, writer, lay sister, nun,

                                    wrote “The Light of the Godhead”)

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.]

Continue reflecting on the “Where Am I?” question by recalling events and relationships in which you wanted or tried to find freedom by moving.

Times when you simply “moved around the circle” to a new “where.”

If you moved, did you find freedom? Were their times you stayed?

How did you feel?  Imprisoned?  Something else?

How did you respond?  Would you do differently today?

Bring memories, regrets, feelings to God honestly.

Ask him for both healing and true freedom.    

Jot your thoughts, reflections, responses, in a “Where Am I?” circle.

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.            

OR

[ecumenical text – The Lord’s Prayer]

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 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]

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.]

Jesus said, “You are the light of the world.

A city built on a hill can’t be hidden.

No one lights a lamp to put it under a basket.

         but on a lamp-stand

and it shines on all who are in the house.

In the same way, let your light shine before all people,

that in seeing our good works

they may glorify our Father in heaven.[ Matt. 5:14-16]

        

Scripture with Reflection & Praise

Psalm 10 and 1Thessalonians 2:1-12

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; or do 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

O burning mountain, O chosen sun,

O perfect moon, O fathomless well,

O unattainable height, O clearness beyond measure,

O wisdom without end, O mercy without limit,

O strength beyond resistance, O crown of all majesty,

The humblest you created sings your praise.

                                  (Mechthild of Magdenburg, 1210-1280,

                                    German mystic, writer, lay sister, nun,

                                    wrote “The Light of the Godhead”)

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: Humility (John Wesley’s Tuesday Questions)

1.    Have I labored to conform all of my thoughts, words and actions to these fundamental maxims: “I am nothing, I have nothing, I can do nothing?”

2.    Have I ascribed to myself any part of any good which God did by my hand?

3.    Have I said or done anything with a view to the praise of men? Have I desired the praise of men? Have I taken pleasure in it?

Song: 
People,Look East (by Eleanor Farjeon)

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.  

OR

[ecumenical text – The Lord’s Prayer]

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 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]

Afternoon (Nones)   

(Small Hour)  4:00pm 10min.

Introduction

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

  race, I have kept the faith.”  [2 Timothy 4:7, ESV]

“I press on toward the goal for the prize  

  of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.” 
                                 [Philippians 3:14, ESV]                     

“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.”  

                                   [Hebrews 12:1, ESV]

Scripture – Genesis 9:1-17

Welcoming Prayer

At the hour of Nones, we are preparing to finish the day well, practicing the art of letting go, and pondering things we must leave undone; all of which can usher us to a place of contemplating our own vulnerabilities, frailties, and mortality. It is also a time by which we may have accumulated a lot of negative and false things as the day has gone on… and we need some healing and restoration.

We recommend “Welcoming Prayer” for this Hour (see Appendix C).

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 11      and       Isaiah1:21-31 

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

O burning mountain, O chosen sun,

O perfect moon, O fathomless well,

O unattainable height, O clearness beyond measure,

O wisdom without end, O mercy without limit,

O strength beyond resistance, O crown of all majesty,

The humblest you created sings your praise.

                                  (Mechthild of Magdenburg, 1210-1280,

                                   German mystic, writer, lay sister, nun,

                                   wrote “The Light of the Godhead”)

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.)

 [We recommend an Examen Prayer at either Vespers or at Compline, and Centering Prayer at the other. We will provide the same one in both places… see Appendix E for more info.]

or Prayer Beads

[Those who cannot do Centering Prayer may use Prayer Beads or engage other forms of active yet contemplative prayer during this time.]  [Appendix B offers guidance on using beads.]

Examen: Choose Life – Thibodeaux, using Biblical meditation on Deut.

1.    Gratitude – spend a few moments in gratitude, thanking God for one or two of the blessings you received today.

2.    Scripture – slowly and prayerfully read Deuteronomy 30:11-19.

3.    Choice – looking back over the day, not individual moments (don’t do specific analysis or dissection), how was the overall movement of the day: Did you choose life or death? Pray with God, giving thanks, asking for forgiveness, praying for healing.

4.    Choose Life – prayerfully imagining tomorrow, ask yourself, “If I were to choose life tomorrow, what would it feel like? What would my day look like?” This could be about specifics, or general interior disposition. Pray about what it means to choose life tomorrow.

5.    Commitment – if called to do so, make a commitment to God, asking him to help you be faithful to choosing life.

Song: 
People,Look East (by Eleanor Farjeon)

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.

OR

[ecumenical text – The Lord’s Prayer]

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.

[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) 8pm

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

Tuesday – Bible Story Reading [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]

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 124  

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

 [We recommend an Examen Prayer at either Vespers or at Compline, and Centering Prayer at the other. We will provide the same one in both places… see Appendix E and C for more info.]

or Prayer Beads

[Those who cannot do Centering Prayer may use Prayer Beads or engage other forms of active yet contemplative prayer during this time.]  [Appendix B offers guidance on using beads as a focus and discipline for prayer.]

Examen: Choose Life – Thibodeaux, using Biblical meditation on Deut.

1.    Gratitude – spend a few moments in gratitude, thanking God for one or two of the blessings you received today.

2.    Scripture – slowly and prayerfully read Deuteronomy 30:11-19.

3.    Choice – looking back over the day, not individual moments (don’t do specific analysis or dissection), how was the overall movement of the day: Did you choose life or death? Pray with God, giving thanks, asking for forgiveness, praying for healing.

4.    Choose Life – prayerfully imagining tomorrow, ask yourself, “If I were to choose life tomorrow, what would it feel like? What would my day look like?” This could be about specifics, or general interior disposition. Pray about what it means to choose life tomorrow.

5.    Commitment – if called to do so, make a commitment to God, asking him to help you be faithful to choosing life.

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.

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]