Tuesday, December 27th
St. John the Apostle
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
(“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.]
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
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
Scripture]
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 God, we are grateful
to you for letting your voice
sound through the prophets and the saints of the Bible.
But most of all we pay
you thanks for speaking your word
through Jesus Christ our Lord.
As we have heard your
revelation in Him,
we pray for courage to ‘follow him through
heaven and hell, the earth, the sea, and the air.’
In His name. Amen.
(John Bunyan, 1628-1688,
imprisoned Puritan, Author,
wrote “Pilgrim’s Progress.”)
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.]
Remember those circles we had been filling in during Advent?
At the center is the “I Am;” a reminder of God at the center
of our being.
Today we begin to think about “Deepest Desires,” or “Root
Desires” that find their hold in the deepest circles: Christ at the Center, and
Who we really are in Christ.
Our Root Desires delve deep down, finding their hold, their
nourishment, their security in God’s presence and call in our lives.
We also have Branch Desires, that tend to be attached to the
“Where” and “How” aspects of life. These Branch Desires urge us to express
ourselves (Root Desires, as people of faith, urge us to express something about
God), and the “Branches” also urge us to reach for what looks like light and
warmth to us… causes of delight.
(Root Desires connect to the light and life we find in the
Holy Spirit.)
Our Deepest Desire(s) is often found in the seeking.
We may seek “Outside In,” beginning with the desires we know
we have had (whether Root or Branch), and prayerfully be led to deeper,
underlying longings.
Spend some time reflecting on desires you have had,
especially in childhood, career, or relationship. Ask God to show you how to
follow them down to the deeper connections behind them. How do they connect to
who you are, your identity in Christ, what God has called or is calling you to
do. How do they connect to the Lord at the Center and your deepest desires for
him?
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 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
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
scripture(s) read 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
O God, we are grateful
to you for letting your voice
sound through the prophets and the saints of the Bible.
But most of all we pay
you thanks for speaking your word
through Jesus Christ our Lord.
As we have heard your
revelation in Him,
we pray for courage to ‘follow him through
heaven and hell, the earth, the sea, and the air.’
In His name. Amen.
(John Bunyan, 1628-1688,
imprisoned Puritan, Author,
wrote “Pilgrim’s Progress.”)
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 Questions for Tuesday)
1.
Have I omitted justifying
myself where the glory of God was not concerned? Have I submitted to be thought
in the wrong?
2.
Have I, when condemned,
first, prayed God it might not discourage or puff me up; secondly, that it
might not be imputed to the condemner; thirdly, that it might heal my pride?
3.
Have I, without some
particular good in view, mentioned the contempt I had met with?
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]
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.”
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
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. Otherwise 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
O God, we are grateful
to you for letting your voice
sound through the prophets and the saints of the Bible.
But most of all we pay
you thanks for speaking your word
through Jesus Christ our Lord.
As we have heard your
revelation in Him,
we pray for courage to ‘follow him through
heaven and hell, the earth, the sea, and the air.’
In His name. Amen.
(John Bunyan, 1628-1688, imprisoned
Puritan,
Author wrote “Pilgrim’s Progress.”)
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 Relationship with God [Reimagining the Examen]
1. Center – Ask God to make
his presence known.
2. Gratitude – Thank God for
1-2 blessings.
3. Relationship – Think
about your relationship with God. Talk to God about how it has been going
lately. Are you getting along well? Do you feel close or distant? Are you
spending quality time, or being neglectful? Do you sense God’s closeness when
you call? Are you bored with God? When you “look upon the face of God” do you
feel joy? Gratitude? Shame? Fear? Love? Ask God to show you how HE sees the
relationship.
4. Reading – “Once when
Jesus was praying alone, with only the disciples near him, he asked them, ‘Who
do the crowds say I am?’ They answered, ‘John the Baptist; but others, Elijah;
and still others, that one of the ancient prophets has arisen.’ He said to
them, ‘But who do you say that I am?’ Peter answered, ‘The Messiah of God.’”
(Luke 9:18-20). Looking back over the day, reflect on each ‘scene’ by asking,
“Where was Christ in this moment? How did Christ come to me in this moment?”
5. Big Picture – Now think
about the day in its entirety. Ask yourself: “Given all that’s happened today,
who was Christ for me today?” (Teacher? Friend? Consoler? Coach? Silent
Observer? Spouse? Savior? Parent?)
6. Affirmation – Say to
Christ: “Lord, today you were _______ for me.”
7. Mutuality – Now ask: “If
you, Lord, were ___, then who am I in relationship to you?” Listen for his
response, then speak to God for a while about the way your relationship played
itself out today.
8. Future View – Look to
tomorrow. How do you want or need Christ to be present to you tomorrow? What do
you need him to be for you? Tell him what you want or need from his presence in
your life moving forward.
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) 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.]
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]
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 Relationship with God [Reimagining the Examen]
1. Center – Ask God to make
his presence known.
2. Gratitude – Thank God for
1-2 blessings.
3. Relationship – Think
about your relationship with God. Talk to God about how it has been going
lately. Are you getting along well? Do you feel close or distant? Are you
spending quality time, or being neglectful? Do you sense God’s closeness when
you call? Are you bored with God? When you “look upon the face of God” do you
feel joy? Gratitude? Shame? Fear? Love? Ask God to show you how HE sees the
relationship.
4. Reading – “Once when
Jesus was praying alone, with only the disciples near him, he asked them, ‘Who
do the crowds say I am?’ They answered, ‘John the Baptist; but others, Elijah;
and still others, that one of the ancient prophets has arisen.’ He said to
them, ‘But who do you say that I am?’ Peter answered, ‘The Messiah of God.’”
(Luke 9:18-20). Looking back over the day, reflect on each ‘scene’ by asking, “Where
was Christ in this moment? How did Christ come to me in this moment?”
5. Big Picture – Now think
about the day in its entirety. Ask yourself: “Given all that’s happened today,
who was Christ for me today?” (Teacher? Friend? Consoler? Coach? Silent Observer?
Spouse? Savior? Parent?)
6. Affirmation – Say to
Christ: “Lord, today you were _______ for me.”
7. Mutuality – Now ask: “If
you, Lord, were ___, then who am I in relationship to you?” Listen for his
response, then speak to God for a while about the way your relationship played
itself out today.
8. Future View – Look to
tomorrow. How do you want or need Christ to be present to you tomorrow? What do
you need him to be for you? Tell him what you want or need from his presence in
your life moving forward.
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]
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