Tuesday, December 20, 2016

2016 12/21 Wednesday Hours of Prayer (Advent)

Wednesday, 
December 21st
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.) or [Prayer Beads]


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: Luke 1:26-38
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)        8:00am 30 min.

The Fifth “O Antiphon”
   [The following may be read responsively;
   OR Verse 6 “O come, thou Dayspring…” 
   of O Come, O Come Emmanuel may be sung;
   OR Click Here for a link to the Gregorian Chant version.]

O Dayspring, brightness of the light eternal
and Sun of justice.
Come, and enlighten those who sit in darkness
and in the shadow of death.
[The last line can be sung together if desired:]
Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel shall come to thee, O Israel.
[The candle is lit.]

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 [someone can share a reflection on a scripture above, or ponder privately]

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: It Came Upon the Midnight Clear
             (Johnny Mathis or Caedmon’s Call version)

Prayer
Unison Prayer
Restore us, O Lord, we pray,
bring us back to that place where we once met,
as shepherds to the stable after hearing angels sing.
Bring us back to that place when our love was fresh,
         not embarrassed to express itself in praise
         to our heavenly King.
Restore us, O Lord, we pray.                     
(faithandworship.com)

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.]
Imaginatively Praying the Gospel
We will be asking, in prayer, to become participants in the events of Jesus’ earthly life and ministry.
This is praying in a way that truly relies on our personal & dynamic relationship with the Lord. We want to be doing the following things:
1.    Listening – being inwardly still and receptive.
2.    Disclosing – revealing ourselves, in prayer, just as we are.
3.    Sharing – in deep connection with God through Scripture and Prayer we are absorbing his word and sharing in events.
4.    Reflecting – upon a deepening experience of both God and the Bible,
becoming aware of just how he meets us.
5.    Giving – feely offering to others what we receive.
To engage in the Imaginative Gospel Prayer/Meditation:
1.    Read the passage several times.
2.    Enter the Scene
3.    Ask God for what you desire (if you know; ie, to meet him, feel his touch, etc.)
4.    Fill out the Scene: what are the details (try to see them down to the smallest details), where are you or what is your role?
5.    Talk with the characters in the Bible story/scene, and especially with the Lord.
6.    There are 2 Absolute Rules to keep:
a.     Never moralize or judge yourself, and
b.    Always respond from the hearts, not the head
7.    Attend to your feelings and reactions.
As we approach Christmas, we will use the imaginative prayer detailed above to enter the events leading up to the Nativity.

Today: The Birth of John the Baptizer; Luke 1:57-79


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.
        
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 Fifth “O Antiphon”
   [The following may be read responsively;
   OR Verse 6 “O come, thou Dayspring…” 
   of O Come, O Come Emmanuel may be sung;
   OR Click Here for a link to the Gregorian Chant version.]

O Dayspring, brightness of the light eternal
and Sun of justice.
Come, and enlighten those who sit in darkness
and in the shadow of death.
[The last line can be sung together if desired:]
Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel shall come to thee, O Israel.
[The candle is lit.]
        
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 [someone may share a reflection on a Bible passage above; or silently ponder]

Gloria Patri [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
Restore us, O Lord, we pray,
bring us back to that place where we once met,
as shepherds to the stable after hearing angels sing.
Bring us back to that place when our love was fresh,
         not embarrassed to express itself in praise
         to our heavenly King.
Restore us, O Lord, we pray.                     
(faithandworship.com)

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.]
 [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 (Wednesday Questions – J. Wesley)
1.    Have I done any thing merely because it was pleasing?
2.    Have I not only not done what passion solicited me to, but done just the contrary?
3.    Have I received the inconveniences I could not avoid as means of mortification chosen for me by God?

Song: It Came Upon the Midnight Clear
             (Johnny Mathis or Caedmon’s Call version)

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) 4pm 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 37:2-11
              
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.

The Fifth “O Antiphon”
   [The following may be read responsively;
   OR Verse 6 “O come, thou Dayspring…” 
   of O Come, O Come Emmanuel may be sung;
   OR Click Here for a link to the Gregorian Chant version.]

O Dayspring, brightness of the light eternal
and Sun of justice.
Come, and enlighten those who sit in darkness
and in the shadow of death.
[The last line can be sung together if desired:]
Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel shall come to thee, O Israel.
[The candle is lit.]

Scripture with Reflection & Praise
Psalm 92 and Isaiah 28:9-22                

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 share a reflection, or you can ponder silently]

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
Restore us, O Lord, we pray,
bring us back to that place where we once met,
as shepherds to the stable after hearing angels sing.
Bring us back to that place when our love was fresh,
         not embarrassed to express itself in praise
         to our heavenly King.
Restore us, O Lord, we pray.                                        (faithandworship.com)

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
Examen: Analytical Method – Laudate app
1.    Center – quiet your soul and enter God’s presence, asking him for light to know yourself and to know him.
2.    Review – review the major areas of God’s will in your life, examining the level of your faithfulness to what God was asking of you. Ask the Spirit to draw your attention to the important things of the day. Keep asking yourself, “Why?” to delve deeper. Pay attention to your feelings, and give thanks, ask for forgiveness, or pray for healing.
a.     You could arrange this review based on key relationships, or
b.     You could arrange this review around three W’s: Way, Words, Works
3.    Gratitude – thank God for the good that you were able to accomplish, thanks to his grace, and thank him for mercy and forgiveness to cover your sins and shortcomings.
4.    Resolution – renew your commitment to follow Christ even more closely tomorrow (a specific resolution can be made if you feel led to do so).

Song: It Came Upon the Midnight Clear
             (Johnny Mathis or Caedmon’s Call version)

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

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

Wednesday – 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]

Scripture - Revelation 21:9-21

Examen (20 min.) or Centering Prayer (20 min.) or Prayer Beads
Examen: Analytical Method – Laudate app
1.    Center – quiet your soul and enter God’s presence, asking him for light to know yourself and to know him.
2.    Review – review the major areas of God’s will in your life, examining the level of your faithfulness to what God was asking of you. Ask the Spirit to draw your attention to the important things of the day. Keep asking yourself, “Why?” to delve deeper. Pay attention to your feelings, and give thanks, ask for forgiveness, or pray for healing.
a.     You could arrange this review based on key relationships, or
b.     You could arrange this review around three W’s: Way, Words, Works
3.    Gratitude – thank God for the good that you were able to accomplish, thanks to his grace, and thank him for mercy and forgiveness to cover your sins and shortcomings.
4.    Resolution – renew your commitment to follow Christ even more closely tomorrow (a specific resolution can be made if you feel led to do so).

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]





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