Evening Prayer

Leader: (Candle and/or incense may be lit) Let our prayer be set forth in your sight as incense

Response: The lifting up of our hands as our evening sacrifice of praise

O Gracious Light (Phos Hilaron) Together:

O gracious Light, pure brightness of the ever living Father in heaven, O Jesus Christ, holy and blessed! Now as we come to the setting of the sun, and our eyes behold the vesper light, we sing your praises, O God: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.

Canticle Seek the Lord Isaiah 55.6–11 Call and response, together or on your own

Seek the Lord while he wills to be found;

All: Call upon him when he draws near.

Let the wicked forsake their ways

All: And the evil ones their thoughts;

And let them turn to the Lord, and he will have compassion,

All: And to our God, for he will richly pardon.

For my thoughts are not your thoughts,

All: Nor your ways my ways, says the Lord.

For as the heavens are higher than the earth,

All: So are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts.

For as rain and snow fall from the heavens

All: And return not again, but water the earth,

Bringing forth life and giving growth,

All: Seed for sowing and bread for eating,

So is my word that goes forth from my mouth;

All: It will not return to me empty;

But it will accomplish that which I have purposed,

All: And prosper in that for which I sent it.

Gospel: Reading from Luke followed by a few moments of silence then the Meditative Refection (both provided) then again a period of meditative silence.

Intercessions: The Intercessor may choose between themes of bringing light into darkness or “come Holy Spirit” and extemporaneously pray for Communities of Faith and Practice around the world; All in authority; the world; the local community; those in need including those known to us (silence for people to add aloud or in their hearts those who need support and blessing)

Prayer for St. Paul’s Together or on your own

Heavenly Father, you have welcomed us into your kingdom and your heart’s desire is to draw every human being to yourself. Grant us clear eyes to see people as you see them, sensitive feet to stand in their shoes, and warm smiles to welcome them into your name. Give us generous hearts, that our church becomes a foretaste of heaven where every soul you send us finds their loving home in the community of your Son our Saviour Jesus Christ. Amen.

Together: May the peace of God, which passes all understanding, keep our hearts and minds in Christ Jesus. Amen.