Monday, December 26th
St. Stephen
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.]
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 [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: O Come, All Ye Faithful or King Wenceslas
Prayer
Unison Prayer
O God, early in the
morning I cry to you.
Help me to pray and to
concentrate my thoughts on you:
I cannot do this alone.
In me there is
darkness, but with you there is light;
I am lonely, but you do
not leave me;
I am feeble in heart,
but with you there is help;
I am restless, but with
you there is peace.
In me there is
bitterness, but with you there is patience;
I do not understand
your ways, but you know the way for me.
(Dietrich Bonhoeffer, 1906-1945,
a prayer “while awaiting execution;”
anti-Nazi German confessing church,
martyred by the Gestapo)
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.)
On this feast day of St. Stephen, what would you include if
you listed his Root and Branch Desires?
Then, reflect on and list your Root and your Branch Desires.
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.]
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 Revelation 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 [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
O God, early in the
morning I cry to you.
Help me to pray and to
concentrate my thoughts on you:
I cannot do this alone.
In me there is
darkness, but with you there is light;
I am lonely, but you do
not leave me;
I am feeble in heart,
but with you there is help;
I am restless, but with
you there is peace.
In me there is
bitterness, but with you there is patience;
I do not understand
your ways, but you know the way for me.
(Dietrich Bonhoeffer, 1906-1945, a
prayer “while awaiting execution;”
anti-Nazi German confessing church, martyred by the Gestapo)
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: Love of Neighbour (John Wesley)
1. Have I thought any thing
but my conscience too dear to part with to please or serve my neighbor?
2. Have I rejoiced or
grieved with him?
3. Have I received his
infirmities with pity, not with anger?
Song:
O Come, All Ye Faithful
or Good King Wenceslas
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.” [Phil. 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.” [Heb. 12:1, ESV]
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
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, early in the
morning I cry to you.
Help me to pray and to
concentrate my thoughts on you:
I cannot do this alone.
In me there is
darkness, but with you there is light;
I am lonely, but you do
not leave me;
I am feeble in heart,
but with you there is help;
I am restless, but with
you there is peace.
In me there is
bitterness, but with you there is patience;
I do not understand
your ways, but you know the way for me.
(Dietrich Bonhoeffer, 1906-1945,
martyred by the Nazi Gestapo)
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: Repulsions, Inspirations,
Desires
1.
Presence – Ask God to
make himself known.
2.
Gratitude – spend a few
moments thanking God for the day’s blessings.
3.
Repulsed – Looking back
on the day, ask God to show me the moments in which I was repulsed (feeling
uncontrollably driven to reject or flee) by someone or something. When did that
happen? What person led me to feel… what? Disgust? Fear? Anger? Loathing? Was
there an incident, task, place, discussion, or thing that triggered “fight or
flight or freeze”
feelings?
Pray about it, asking God for forgiveness, guidance, and healing.
4.
Inspired – Looking back
on the day, ask God to reveal the moments you were inspired to do something
good or be someone noble. Did I encounter a person who inspired me? Did
something happen that filled me with goodness, a holy passion, or a “strangely
warmed heart?” Did I see, hear, or experience something that made me feel that
way? Pray about it, giving thanks and praise for it.
5.
Desires – Looking back on
the day once more, ask God to bring to mind moments you felt great desires –
“great desires” are those God plants in our hearts to be good and holy and do
good and holy things (desires driven by faith, hope, and love). Was there a
moment you felt such desires, even if you weren’t conscious of it at the time?
Was there a moment today you thought about the future with wholesome and loving
dreams? Thank God for this moment. Ask God if the moment truly came from him.
Listen for his response.
6.
Review – Look back on
this prayer time so far: which of the three reflections (repulsed, inspired, or
desires) enlightened or moved you most? Return to that moment and linger. What
do you feel now as you reflect? Tell God & listen for his response.
7.
Anticipate – Look to
tomorrow and ask God if he is calling you to do anything tomorrow? “Who am I
called to be tomorrow?” Make a commitment if you desire to do so. Ask God for
help and give him thanks.
Song:
O Come, All Ye Faithful
or Good King Wenceslas
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) 8pm
[Appendix F has full
details, additional resources, etc. for this non-traditional Hour.]
Monday – Meditation
[Appendix F & C]
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 Revelation 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: Repulsions, Inspirations,
Desires
1.
Presence – Ask God to
make himself known.
2.
Gratitude – spend a few
moments thanking God for the day’s blessings.
3.
Repulsed – Looking back
on the day, ask God to show me the moments in which I was repulsed (feeling
uncontrollably driven to reject or flee) by someone or something. When did that
happen? What person led me to feel… what? Disgust? Fear? Anger? Loathing? Was
there an incident, task, place, discussion, or thing that triggered “fight or
flight or freeze” feelings? Pray about it, asking God for forgiveness,
guidance, and healing.
4.
Inspired – Looking back
on the day, ask God to reveal the moments you were inspired to do something
good or be someone noble. Did I encounter a person who inspired me? Did
something happen that filled me with goodness, a holy passion, or a “strangely
warmed heart?” Did I see, hear, or experience something that made me feel that
way? Pray about it, giving thanks and praise for it.
5.
Desires – Looking back on
the day once more, ask God to bring to mind moments you felt great desires –
“great desires” are those God plants in our hearts to be good and holy and do
good and holy things (desires driven by faith, hope, and love). Was there a
moment you felt such desires, even if you weren’t conscious of it at the time?
Was there a moment today you thought about the future with wholesome and loving
dreams? Thank God for this moment. Ask God if the moment truly came from him.
Listen for his response.
6.
Review – Look back on
this prayer time so far: which of the three reflections (repulsed, inspired, or
desires) enlightened or moved you most? Return to that moment and linger. What
do you feel now as you reflect? Tell God & listen for his response.
7.
Anticipate – Look to
tomorrow and ask God if he is calling you to do anything tomorrow? “Who am I
called to be tomorrow?” Make a commitment if you desire to do so. Ask God for
help and give him thanks.
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.
No comments:
Post a Comment