Wednesday, December 14, 2016

2016 12/16 Friday Hours of Prayer (Advent)

Friday, 
Dec. 16th
FAST Day

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. There is a wonderful “Centering Prayer” app, and other resources to guide you in Appendix C.]
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.]


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: 2 Peter 2:17-22
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)

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) 8am 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!                           
                             [adapt. 2 Corinthians 4:5-6]

Scripture with Reflection & Praise

Reading – Matthew 11:2-15

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.

Song: Angels from the Realms of Glory
               (Traditional or Contemporary)

Prayer
Unison Prayer
Holy Spirit of God,
who prefers before all temples the upright heart and pure,
instruct us in all truth;
         what is dark, illumine,
         what is low, raise and support,
         what is shallow, deepen;
that every chapter in our lives may witness to your power
         and justify the ways of God.
In the name of Jesus, giver of all grace. Amen.
            (John Milton, 1608-1674,
             The Poet of British Puritans,
             Author of “Paradise Lost”)

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.]
Those call stories you read earlier this week. How would God answer if the Biblical character asked him, “Who Am I?” Why don’t you ask God and write what he says:

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 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]




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.    
                           [adapt. Matt. 5:14-16]
        
Scripture with Reflection & Praise

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
Holy Spirit of God,
who prefers before all temples the upright heart and pure,
instruct us in all truth;
         what is dark, illumine,
         what is low, raise and support,
         what is shallow, deepen;
that every chapter in our lives may witness to your power
         and justify the ways of God.
In the name of Jesus, giver of all grace. Amen.
         (John Milton, 1608-1674,
          The Poet of British Puritans,
          Author of “Paradise Lost”)

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: Mortification (John Wesley’s Friday Questions)
1.    Have I contrived pretenses to avoid self-denial? In particular,
2.    Have I thought any occasion of denying myself too small to be embraced?
3.    Have I submitted my will to the will of every one that opposed it, except where the glory of God was concerned?
4.    Have I set apart some time for endeavoring after a lively sense of the sufferings of Christ and my own sins? For deprecating God’s judgment, and thinking how to amend?

Song: Angels from the Realms of Glory
                (Traditional or Contemporary)

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 - 2 Samuel 7:18-22

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.
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 54 and Isaiah 10:5-19          

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, 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
Holy Spirit of God,
who prefers before all temples the upright heart and pure,
instruct us in all truth;
         what is dark, illumine,
         what is low, raise and support,
         what is shallow, deepen;
that every chapter in our lives may witness to your power
         and justify the ways of God.
In the name of Jesus, giver of all grace. Amen.
           (John Milton, 1608-1674,
            The Poet of British Puritans,
            Author of “Paradise Lost”)

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.)
[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.]
[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 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. There is a wonderful “Centering Prayer” app, and other resources to guide you in Appendix C.]

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: CPR Method (Claim, Pinpoint, Renew) – Laudate
1.    Claim – reflect on the good things that happened today, and claim them as blessings, recognizing God’s hand in them. Ask the Lord to guide you in spotting the big and the little blessings, and to see his action.
2.    Pinpoint – take a broad view of the activities of the day, examining how you lived them. Pinpoint your victories and your losses. Where were you selfish; where did sin win out? Where were you grace-filled, virtuous, generous? Prayerfully examine how you responded to the Spirit, and what your feelings were. Give thanks or ask forgiveness.
3.    Renew – finish by renewing your faith in God and your desire to know Jesus more clearly, to love Jesus more dearly, and to follow Jesus more nearly every single day.  Prayerfully consider making a specific resolution about tomorrow.

Song: Angels from the Realms of Glory
               (Traditional or Contemporary)

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]



Family Bedtime             
(Hora Somni)
(Small Hour)                                                                8:00pm
  

Friday – Prayers of the People, with Confession [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]


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

Examen: CPR Method (Claim, Pinpoint, Renew) – Laudate
1.    Claim – reflect on the good things that happened today, and claim them as blessings, recognizing God’s hand in them. Ask the Lord to guide you in spotting the big and the little blessings, and to see his action.
2.    Pinpoint – take a broad view of the activities of the day, examining how you lived them. Pinpoint your victories and your losses. Where were you selfish; where did sin win out? Where were you grace-filled, virtuous, generous? Prayerfully examine how you responded to the Spirit, and what your feelings were. Give thanks or ask forgiveness.
3.    Renew – finish by renewing your faith in God and your desire to know Jesus more clearly, to love Jesus more dearly, and to follow Jesus more nearly every single day.  Prayerfully consider making a specific resolution about tomorrow.

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]



No comments:

Post a Comment