Tanworth-in-Arden Church
St Mary Magdalene is an Anglican church in the diocese of Birmingham. It has been a place of Christian worship since the thirteenth century.
This Sunday's order of service is available to download from our website here:
https://tanworthchurch.co.uk/?page_id=725
https://tanworthchurch.co.uk/?page_id=725
The Stream – St Mary Magdalene
Streaming Live Weekly On Facebook During the COVID19 Lockdown The liturgy for each of these services will be available to read on the facebook feed before the service. Sunday Morning 10:30am: Sunday morning worship with music from River Band coordinator Ali, and a message from our vicar, Paul. Night...
tanworthchurch.co.uk
The return of Christ is not a subject about which we often speak, but that's the subject set for this Sunday. Here's the liturgy for 10.30am
Advent Sunday
The King is Coming
Advent Chant
Freedom, Oh Freedom, Oh Freedom
Freedom is coming!
Oh yes I know, Oh yes I know.
Oh Jesus, Oh Jesus, Oh Jesus
Jesus is coming!
Oh yes I know, Oh yes I know.
Origin South Africa. Arranged Copyright © 1990 Wild Goose Publications of the Iona Community.
Advent Wreath Candle Lighting
Leader Gathered here today, we light a candle of hope,
knowing that in dark times there is always a light that can be lit.
ALL LET US, PEOPLE IN DUSK AND DAWN,
LIGHT THE LIGHT OF VIGILANCE,
KNOWING THAT GOD IS ALWAYS CALLING US
TO JUSTICE, MERCY AND HUMILITY –
AT THIS TIME OF YEAR,
AND ALL TIMES OF THE YEAR.
AMEN.
Hymn:
O come, O come, Emmanuel
And ransom captive Israel
That mourns in lonely exile here
Until the Son of God appear
Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel
Shall come to thee, O Israel.
O come, Thou Rod of Jesse, free
Thine own from Satan's tyranny
From depths of Hell Thy people save
And give them victory o'er the grave
Rejoice!...
O come, Thou Day-Spring, come and cheer
Our spirits by Thine advent here
Disperse the gloomy clouds of night
And death's dark shadows put to flight.
Rejoice!...
O come, Thou Key of David, come,
And open wide our heavenly home;
Make safe the way that leads on high,
And close the path to misery.
Rejoice!...
O come, O come, Thou Lord of might,
Who to Thy tribes, on Sinai's height,
In ancient times did'st give the Law,
In cloud, and majesty and awe.
Rejoice!…
From the ‘Great O Antiphons (12th - 13th century)
trans. John Mason Neale (1818-1866)
Collect Prayer
Leader Almighty God, as your kingdom dawns, turn us from the darkness of sin
to the light of holiness, that we may be ready to meet you
in our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ. Amen.
Readings
Isaiah 64:1-9
O that you would tear open the heavens and come down, so that the mountains would quake at your presence as when fire kindles brushwood and the fire causes water to boil, to make your name known to your adversaries, so that the nations might tremble at your presence!
When you did awesome deeds that we did not expect, you came down, the mountains quaked at your presence. From ages past no one has heard, no ear has perceived, no eye has seen any God besides you, who works for those who wait for him.
You meet those who gladly do right, those who remember you in your ways.
But you were angry, and we sinned; because you hid yourself we transgressed.
We have all become like one who is unclean, and all our righteous deeds are like a filthy cloth. We all fade like a leaf, and our iniquities, like the wind, take us away.
There is no one who calls on your name, or attempts to take hold of you;
for you have hidden your face from us, and have delivered us into the hand of our iniquity.
Yet, O Lord, you are our Father; we are the clay, and you are our potter;
we are all the work of your hand.
Do not be exceedingly angry, O Lord, and do not remember iniquity for ever.
Now consider, we are all your people.
Mark 13:24-end
Jesus said, ‘But in those days, after that suffering, the sun will be darkened,
and the moon will not give its light, and the stars will be falling from heaven,
and the powers in the heavens will be shaken.
Then they will see “the Son of Man coming in clouds” with great power and glory. Then he will send out the angels, and gather his elect from the four winds, from the ends of the earth to the ends of heaven.
‘From the fig tree learn its lesson: as soon as its branch becomes tender and puts forth its leaves, you know that summer is near. So also, when you see these things taking place, you know that he is near, at the very gates. Truly I tell you, this generation will not pass away until all these things have taken place. Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away.
‘But about that day or hour no one knows, neither the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father. Beware, keep alert; for you do not know when the time will come. It is like a man going on a journey, when he leaves home and puts his slaves in charge, each with his work, and commands the doorkeeper to be on the watch. Therefore, keep awake—for you do not know when the master of the house will come, in the evening, or at midnight, or at cockcrow, or at dawn, or else he may find you asleep when he comes suddenly. And what I say to you I say to all: Keep awake.’
Address part 1
Song
All of your questions and all that you hide,
and all that is certain’s that you’re hollow inside.
When all of your hopes and your plans fall apart,
and none of it even makes sense in your heart.
Come, come as you are are,
with everything broken, all that’s not spoken.
Come, come as you are,
Even if it’s all over, I’ve got everything covered.
Come as you are. Come as you are.
All of your heartache and al of your pain,
All of the wounds, and the tears and the stains.
Come with your sorrows, your guilt and your shame.
Come when you’ve only got you left to blame.
Come, come as you are…
There’s a place here on my shoulder,
where you can rest till you’re not afraid.
Time can wait just for a moment,
And I will keep you safe.
Come, come as you are…
You can come as you are. Come as you are.
Trè and Tori Sheppard and Kathryn Scott Copyright © 2007 Vertical Worship Songs/ Sovereign Music UK and Thankyou Music.
Address Part 2
We believe:
An Advent Affirmation of Faith
ALL WE BELIEVE IN ONE GOD, WHO IS CREATOR,
MAKER OF ALL WE SEE AND ALL WE DON'T SEE.
WHO IS RULER OF THE UNIVERSE: SOURCE OF ALL CREATION!
WE BELIEVE IN ONE GOD, WHO IS JESUS CHRIST,
GOD FROM GOD, LIGHT FROM LIGHT,
TRUE GOD AND TRUE HUMAN.
HE IS ONE WITH THE CREATOR;
THE WORD MADE FLESH, OUR MESSIAH:
SAVIOUR OF ALL CREATION!
WE BELIEVE IN ONE GOD, WHO IS HOLY SPIRIT,
BREATH OF GOD MOVING AMONG US;
WHO IS ONE WITH THE CREATOR; ONE WITH THE CHRIST;
OUR COMFORTER AND OUR GUIDE:
MENTOR OF ALL CREATION!
— written by Lisa Frenz, in Word of God Come Be With Us: An Advent Order for Holy Communion, Copyright Lisa Frenz. All Rights Reserved. Used with permission.
To lead us into our confession and our prayers we’re going to sing
Song:
Into the darkness of this world.
Into the shadows of the night;
Into this loveless place you came,
Lightened our burdens, eased our pain,
And made these hearts your home.
Into the darkness once again,
O come, Lord Jesus, come.
Come with your love to make us whole,
Come with your light to lead us on,
Driving the darkness far from our souls:
O come, Lord Jesus come.
Into the longing of our souls,
Into these heavy hearts of stone,
Shine on us now your piercing light,
Order our lives and souls aright,
By grace & love un-known,
Until in you our hearts unite,
O come, Lord Jesus, come.
Come with your love to make us whole…
O Holy Child, Emmanuel,
Hope of the ages, God with us,
Visit again this broken place,
‘Till all the earth declares your praise
And your great mercies own.
Now let you love be born in us,
O come, Lord Jesus, come.
Come in your glory take your place,
Jesus the name above all names,
We long to see you face to face,
O come, Lord Jesus come.
Maggi Dawn Copyright © 1993 Thankyou Music
Confession:
Leader Merciful God,
you are the potter and we are the clay.
ALL WE ARE MADE BY YOU FOR A PURPOSE,
YET AT TIMES WE PURPOSELY IGNORE OR AVOID
THE PLANS YOU HAVE FOR US.
AT OTHER MOMENTS WE ALLOW OUR
BUSYNESS, IMPETUOSITY AND
INDECISION TO INTERVENE.
FORGIVE US.
GIVE US THE PATIENCE TO WAIT ON YOUR WORD,
THE SENSITIVITY TO HEAR IT,
THE COURAGE TO ACT ON IT
AND THE WISDOM TO APPLY IT.
IN JESUS’ NAME WE PRAY.
AMEN.
Leader May the Father forgive us
by the death of his Son,
and strengthen us
to live in the power of the Spirit
all our days.
AMEN
Intercessory Prayers
Leader In the power of the Spirit and in union with Christ
let us pray to the Father.
Leader Awesome God, we praise you for our amazing world,
which reflects your glory,
and for the beautiful people who are made in your image
and through whom your Spirit shines in the golden glory
of brokenness once again being made whole.
Help us to care for the world,
and love its people as you do,
through our devotion to environmental issues
and in interactions with people from diverse backgrounds.
We praise you that we can call you our Father,
and that in Jesus we have a Saviour,
and a friend who promises never to leave or forsake us.
Leader So in the darkness of winter,
and in anticipation of Christ’s coming,
into our broken lives we pray.
ALL COME, O COME, EMMANUEL.
Leader To all who lead us, especially in this pandemic time of turmoil:
for those who make plans that shape our lives
and our communities, our country and our world,
give courage, wisdom and compassion.
ALL COME, O COME, EMMANUEL.
Leader To all who support us:
those who are there when we need them,
those whose crafting ability with our lives
brings the golden hope of the Holy Spirit
give courage, gentleness and vision.
ALL COME, O COME, EMMANUEL.
Leader To all who are in need:
the sick and the suffering,
the poor and the hungry,
the lost, the lonely and those in despair,
give courage, give hope, and a future.
ALL COME, O COME, EMMANUEL.
Leader To your Church:
awaiting your coming to transform the world,
give patience, energy, and a welcome to be unconditionally shared.
ALL COME, O COME, EMMANUEL.
In this space, we remember by first name those known to us in need of God’s help. If it seems appropriate, speak their names out loud now or type them on to the screen.
Especially we pray today for willingness to love practically those in need.
The Lord’s Prayer
Leader As our Saviour taught us, so we pray
ALL 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.
LEAD US NOT INTO TEMPTATION BUT DELIVER US FROM EVIL.
FOR THE KINDOM, THE POWER AND THE GLORY ARE YOURS
NOW AND FOREVER. AMEN.
Final Hymn:
Lo! He comes with clouds descending,
Once for favoured sinners slain;
Thousand, thousand saints attending
Swell the triumph of his train:
Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia!
God appears on earth to reign.
Ev'ry eye shall now behold him
Robed in dreadful majesty;
Those who set at nought and sold him,
pierced and nailed him to the tree,
Deeply wailing, deeply wailing, deeply wailing
Shall the true Messiah see.
Those dear tokens of his passion
still his dazzling body bears,
Cause of endless exultation
to his ransomed worshippers:
With what rapture, with what rapture, with what rapture,
gaze we on those glorious scars!
Yea, Amen! Let all adore thee,
High on thine eternal throne;
Saviour take the power and the glory:
Claim the kingdom for thine own:
O come quickly, O come quickly, O come quickly!
Alleluia! Come, Lord, come
Charles Wesley, John Cennick and Martin Madan alt.
Blessing
Leader May God the Father, judge all-merciful,
make us worthy of a place in his kingdom.
ALL AMEN
Leader May God the Son, coming among us in power,
reveal in our midst the promise of his glory.
ALL AMEN
Leader May God the Holy Spirit make us steadfast in faith,
joyful in hope and constant in love.
ALL AMEN
Leader And the blessing of God Almighty
the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit
be upon you and remain with you,
and with all those you love and care for,
this day and always,
ALL AMEN
Dismissal
Leader
So may we go in peace to love and serve the Lord.
ALL IN THE NAME OF CHRIST! AMEN.
Advent Sunday
The King is Coming
Advent Chant
Freedom, Oh Freedom, Oh Freedom
Freedom is coming!
Oh yes I know, Oh yes I know.
Oh Jesus, Oh Jesus, Oh Jesus
Jesus is coming!
Oh yes I know, Oh yes I know.
Origin South Africa. Arranged Copyright © 1990 Wild Goose Publications of the Iona Community.
Advent Wreath Candle Lighting
Leader Gathered here today, we light a candle of hope,
knowing that in dark times there is always a light that can be lit.
ALL LET US, PEOPLE IN DUSK AND DAWN,
LIGHT THE LIGHT OF VIGILANCE,
KNOWING THAT GOD IS ALWAYS CALLING US
TO JUSTICE, MERCY AND HUMILITY –
AT THIS TIME OF YEAR,
AND ALL TIMES OF THE YEAR.
AMEN.
Hymn:
O come, O come, Emmanuel
And ransom captive Israel
That mourns in lonely exile here
Until the Son of God appear
Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel
Shall come to thee, O Israel.
O come, Thou Rod of Jesse, free
Thine own from Satan's tyranny
From depths of Hell Thy people save
And give them victory o'er the grave
Rejoice!...
O come, Thou Day-Spring, come and cheer
Our spirits by Thine advent here
Disperse the gloomy clouds of night
And death's dark shadows put to flight.
Rejoice!...
O come, Thou Key of David, come,
And open wide our heavenly home;
Make safe the way that leads on high,
And close the path to misery.
Rejoice!...
O come, O come, Thou Lord of might,
Who to Thy tribes, on Sinai's height,
In ancient times did'st give the Law,
In cloud, and majesty and awe.
Rejoice!…
From the ‘Great O Antiphons (12th - 13th century)
trans. John Mason Neale (1818-1866)
Collect Prayer
Leader Almighty God, as your kingdom dawns, turn us from the darkness of sin
to the light of holiness, that we may be ready to meet you
in our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ. Amen.
Readings
Isaiah 64:1-9
O that you would tear open the heavens and come down, so that the mountains would quake at your presence as when fire kindles brushwood and the fire causes water to boil, to make your name known to your adversaries, so that the nations might tremble at your presence!
When you did awesome deeds that we did not expect, you came down, the mountains quaked at your presence. From ages past no one has heard, no ear has perceived, no eye has seen any God besides you, who works for those who wait for him.
You meet those who gladly do right, those who remember you in your ways.
But you were angry, and we sinned; because you hid yourself we transgressed.
We have all become like one who is unclean, and all our righteous deeds are like a filthy cloth. We all fade like a leaf, and our iniquities, like the wind, take us away.
There is no one who calls on your name, or attempts to take hold of you;
for you have hidden your face from us, and have delivered us into the hand of our iniquity.
Yet, O Lord, you are our Father; we are the clay, and you are our potter;
we are all the work of your hand.
Do not be exceedingly angry, O Lord, and do not remember iniquity for ever.
Now consider, we are all your people.
Mark 13:24-end
Jesus said, ‘But in those days, after that suffering, the sun will be darkened,
and the moon will not give its light, and the stars will be falling from heaven,
and the powers in the heavens will be shaken.
Then they will see “the Son of Man coming in clouds” with great power and glory. Then he will send out the angels, and gather his elect from the four winds, from the ends of the earth to the ends of heaven.
‘From the fig tree learn its lesson: as soon as its branch becomes tender and puts forth its leaves, you know that summer is near. So also, when you see these things taking place, you know that he is near, at the very gates. Truly I tell you, this generation will not pass away until all these things have taken place. Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away.
‘But about that day or hour no one knows, neither the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father. Beware, keep alert; for you do not know when the time will come. It is like a man going on a journey, when he leaves home and puts his slaves in charge, each with his work, and commands the doorkeeper to be on the watch. Therefore, keep awake—for you do not know when the master of the house will come, in the evening, or at midnight, or at cockcrow, or at dawn, or else he may find you asleep when he comes suddenly. And what I say to you I say to all: Keep awake.’
Address part 1
Song
All of your questions and all that you hide,
and all that is certain’s that you’re hollow inside.
When all of your hopes and your plans fall apart,
and none of it even makes sense in your heart.
Come, come as you are are,
with everything broken, all that’s not spoken.
Come, come as you are,
Even if it’s all over, I’ve got everything covered.
Come as you are. Come as you are.
All of your heartache and al of your pain,
All of the wounds, and the tears and the stains.
Come with your sorrows, your guilt and your shame.
Come when you’ve only got you left to blame.
Come, come as you are…
There’s a place here on my shoulder,
where you can rest till you’re not afraid.
Time can wait just for a moment,
And I will keep you safe.
Come, come as you are…
You can come as you are. Come as you are.
Trè and Tori Sheppard and Kathryn Scott Copyright © 2007 Vertical Worship Songs/ Sovereign Music UK and Thankyou Music.
Address Part 2
We believe:
An Advent Affirmation of Faith
ALL WE BELIEVE IN ONE GOD, WHO IS CREATOR,
MAKER OF ALL WE SEE AND ALL WE DON'T SEE.
WHO IS RULER OF THE UNIVERSE: SOURCE OF ALL CREATION!
WE BELIEVE IN ONE GOD, WHO IS JESUS CHRIST,
GOD FROM GOD, LIGHT FROM LIGHT,
TRUE GOD AND TRUE HUMAN.
HE IS ONE WITH THE CREATOR;
THE WORD MADE FLESH, OUR MESSIAH:
SAVIOUR OF ALL CREATION!
WE BELIEVE IN ONE GOD, WHO IS HOLY SPIRIT,
BREATH OF GOD MOVING AMONG US;
WHO IS ONE WITH THE CREATOR; ONE WITH THE CHRIST;
OUR COMFORTER AND OUR GUIDE:
MENTOR OF ALL CREATION!
— written by Lisa Frenz, in Word of God Come Be With Us: An Advent Order for Holy Communion, Copyright Lisa Frenz. All Rights Reserved. Used with permission.
To lead us into our confession and our prayers we’re going to sing
Song:
Into the darkness of this world.
Into the shadows of the night;
Into this loveless place you came,
Lightened our burdens, eased our pain,
And made these hearts your home.
Into the darkness once again,
O come, Lord Jesus, come.
Come with your love to make us whole,
Come with your light to lead us on,
Driving the darkness far from our souls:
O come, Lord Jesus come.
Into the longing of our souls,
Into these heavy hearts of stone,
Shine on us now your piercing light,
Order our lives and souls aright,
By grace & love un-known,
Until in you our hearts unite,
O come, Lord Jesus, come.
Come with your love to make us whole…
O Holy Child, Emmanuel,
Hope of the ages, God with us,
Visit again this broken place,
‘Till all the earth declares your praise
And your great mercies own.
Now let you love be born in us,
O come, Lord Jesus, come.
Come in your glory take your place,
Jesus the name above all names,
We long to see you face to face,
O come, Lord Jesus come.
Maggi Dawn Copyright © 1993 Thankyou Music
Confession:
Leader Merciful God,
you are the potter and we are the clay.
ALL WE ARE MADE BY YOU FOR A PURPOSE,
YET AT TIMES WE PURPOSELY IGNORE OR AVOID
THE PLANS YOU HAVE FOR US.
AT OTHER MOMENTS WE ALLOW OUR
BUSYNESS, IMPETUOSITY AND
INDECISION TO INTERVENE.
FORGIVE US.
GIVE US THE PATIENCE TO WAIT ON YOUR WORD,
THE SENSITIVITY TO HEAR IT,
THE COURAGE TO ACT ON IT
AND THE WISDOM TO APPLY IT.
IN JESUS’ NAME WE PRAY.
AMEN.
Leader May the Father forgive us
by the death of his Son,
and strengthen us
to live in the power of the Spirit
all our days.
AMEN
Intercessory Prayers
Leader In the power of the Spirit and in union with Christ
let us pray to the Father.
Leader Awesome God, we praise you for our amazing world,
which reflects your glory,
and for the beautiful people who are made in your image
and through whom your Spirit shines in the golden glory
of brokenness once again being made whole.
Help us to care for the world,
and love its people as you do,
through our devotion to environmental issues
and in interactions with people from diverse backgrounds.
We praise you that we can call you our Father,
and that in Jesus we have a Saviour,
and a friend who promises never to leave or forsake us.
Leader So in the darkness of winter,
and in anticipation of Christ’s coming,
into our broken lives we pray.
ALL COME, O COME, EMMANUEL.
Leader To all who lead us, especially in this pandemic time of turmoil:
for those who make plans that shape our lives
and our communities, our country and our world,
give courage, wisdom and compassion.
ALL COME, O COME, EMMANUEL.
Leader To all who support us:
those who are there when we need them,
those whose crafting ability with our lives
brings the golden hope of the Holy Spirit
give courage, gentleness and vision.
ALL COME, O COME, EMMANUEL.
Leader To all who are in need:
the sick and the suffering,
the poor and the hungry,
the lost, the lonely and those in despair,
give courage, give hope, and a future.
ALL COME, O COME, EMMANUEL.
Leader To your Church:
awaiting your coming to transform the world,
give patience, energy, and a welcome to be unconditionally shared.
ALL COME, O COME, EMMANUEL.
In this space, we remember by first name those known to us in need of God’s help. If it seems appropriate, speak their names out loud now or type them on to the screen.
Especially we pray today for willingness to love practically those in need.
The Lord’s Prayer
Leader As our Saviour taught us, so we pray
ALL 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.
LEAD US NOT INTO TEMPTATION BUT DELIVER US FROM EVIL.
FOR THE KINDOM, THE POWER AND THE GLORY ARE YOURS
NOW AND FOREVER. AMEN.
Final Hymn:
Lo! He comes with clouds descending,
Once for favoured sinners slain;
Thousand, thousand saints attending
Swell the triumph of his train:
Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia!
God appears on earth to reign.
Ev'ry eye shall now behold him
Robed in dreadful majesty;
Those who set at nought and sold him,
pierced and nailed him to the tree,
Deeply wailing, deeply wailing, deeply wailing
Shall the true Messiah see.
Those dear tokens of his passion
still his dazzling body bears,
Cause of endless exultation
to his ransomed worshippers:
With what rapture, with what rapture, with what rapture,
gaze we on those glorious scars!
Yea, Amen! Let all adore thee,
High on thine eternal throne;
Saviour take the power and the glory:
Claim the kingdom for thine own:
O come quickly, O come quickly, O come quickly!
Alleluia! Come, Lord, come
Charles Wesley, John Cennick and Martin Madan alt.
Blessing
Leader May God the Father, judge all-merciful,
make us worthy of a place in his kingdom.
ALL AMEN
Leader May God the Son, coming among us in power,
reveal in our midst the promise of his glory.
ALL AMEN
Leader May God the Holy Spirit make us steadfast in faith,
joyful in hope and constant in love.
ALL AMEN
Leader And the blessing of God Almighty
the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit
be upon you and remain with you,
and with all those you love and care for,
this day and always,
ALL AMEN
Dismissal
Leader
So may we go in peace to love and serve the Lord.
ALL IN THE NAME OF CHRIST! AMEN.
The order for tonight's Night Prayer can be found on the website here...
https://tanworthchurch.co.uk/?page_id=278
https://tanworthchurch.co.uk/?page_id=278
Good afternoon all.
Here's the liturgy for tonight's Night Prayer at 7pm. The bad news is that Alison is not available tonight. The good news is that I'm not going to attempt to sing in her place...
So the order is slightly adjusted from normal practice with a few elements from the Franciscans added in.
An Order for Night Prayer
Preparing for Advent
This order is based on the words used for ‘The Well’ and from the Franciscan ‘Celebrating Common Prayer’. Some of the prayers are also taken or adapted from:
Tess Ward, ‘The Celtic Wheel of the Year’, O Books, 2007.
You will need a candle, and a notebook and pen if possible.
The Blessing of Light
A candle is lit
Leader The blessing of God’s light be on this place
on all whom I have seen this day
on all who have come to mind for good or ill.
ALL THE BLESSING OF GOD’S LIGHT IN ALL OUR HOMES
WITHIN OUR WALLS;
WITHIN OUR HEARTS;
WITHIN US ALL.
THE BLESSING OF GOD’S LIGHT IN ALL OUR HOMES.
A Night Prayer
Leader Before the ending of the day
ALL CREATOR OF THE WORLD WE PRAY
THAT YOU, WITH STEADFAST LOVE, WOULD KEEP
YOUR WATCH AROUND US WHILE WE SLEEP.
Leader From evil dreams defend our sight,
ALL FROM FEARS AND TERRORS OF THE NIGHT;
TREAD UNDER FOOT OUR DEADLY FOE
THAT WE NO SINFUL THOUGHT MAY KNOW.
Leader To you, O Christ, all glory be,
ALL WHOSE ADVENT SETS YOUR PEOPLE FREE;
WHOM WITH THE FATHER, WE ADORE,
AND HOLY SPIRIT, EVERMORE. AMEN
The Gift of this Day
Leader For the gift of this day now past
All WE GIVE THANKS.
Leader for what we have gained
for how we have grown
for tasks completed
and hearts held.
Leader We give thanks
for conversation and connection,
for food, fellowship, fun.
For the gift of this day now past
ALL WE GIVE THANKS.
Contemplate in the silence the events of the past day that brought you joy.
*****
Leader For the pain of this day now past
ALL WE SEEK HOPE.
Leader In the ways we have failed;
things not done,
people not seen,
the ways we are lessened, or have lessened others,
by the accidents and chance of this past day.
For the pain of this day now past
ALL WE SEEK HOPE.
Contemplate in the silence the things of the past day you wish you could undo.
Learn to accept that they have been, but are now past.
*****
Leader Grant us healing. Grant us forgiveness. Grant us tomorrow.
ALL AMEN
Leader Let hands fall still.
Let minds quieten.
Let the day's pressing needs pass forever from the earth
-Silence-
Be still, drink deep of comfort
O my soul, drink deep of silence*.
In quietness and rest let your hearts be still.
Trust in the Lord.
O God make speed to save us
O Lord make haste to help us.
ALL GLORY TO THE FATHER AND TO THE SON AND TO THE HOLY SPIRIT;
AS IT WAS IN THE BEGINNING, IS NOW, AND SHALL BE FOREVER.
AMEN.
Psalm143:1-11
Leader Hear my prayer, O Lord;
give ear to my supplications in your faithfulness;
answer me in your righteousness.
ALL DO NOT ENTER INTO JUDGEMENT WITH YOUR SERVANT,
FOR NO ONE LIVING IS RIGHTEOUS BEFORE YOU.
Leader For the enemy has pursued me, crushing my life to the ground,
making me sit in darkness like those long dead.
ALL THEREFORE MY SPIRIT FAINTS WITHIN ME;
MY HEART WITHIN ME IS APPALLED.
Leader I remember the days of old, I think about all your deeds,
I meditate on the works of your hands.
ALL I STRETCH OUT MY HANDS TO YOU;
MY SOUL THIRSTS FOR YOU LIKE A PARCHED LAND.
Leader Answer me quickly, O Lord; my spirit fails.
Do not hide your face from me,
or I shall be like those who go down to the Pit.
ALL LET ME HEAR OF YOUR STEADFAST LOVE IN THE MORNING,
FOR IN YOU I PUT MY TRUST.
TEACH ME THE WAY I SHOULD GO,
FOR TO YOU I LIFT UP MY SOUL.
Leader Save me, O Lord, from my enemies; I have fled to you for refuge.
ALL TEACH ME TO DO YOUR WILL, FOR YOU ARE MY GOD.
LET YOUR GOOD SPIRIT LEAD ME ON A LEVEL PATH.
Leader For your name’s sake, O Lord, preserve my life.
ALL IN YOUR RIGHTEOUSNESS, BRING ME OUT OF TROUBLE.
Leader Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit.
ALL AS IT WAS IN THE BEGINNING, IN NOW,
AND SHALL BE FOREVER. AMEN.
Bible Reading- Lectio Divina
This coming Sunday is Advent Sunday, and the assurance of Christ’s return. Tonight we can begin to focus on the subject matter and allow questions to come to the fore as we engage with the first reading for Sunday; a nation’s plea for help.
As we read this through for the first time look for what jumps out at you. It may be just two or three words or it may be longer than that. In this practice of Lectio Divina we become aware that sometimes God speaks through words to us that may not fit the context of the story, so be open to the Holy Spirit and the possibilities of what may be being said to you.
We will pause between sections, asking for divine guidance. Read them slowly, pause for a minute and then read them again.
Reading
Isaiah 64:1-9
O that you would tear open the heavens and come down,
so that the mountains would quake at your presence as when fire kindles brushwood
and the fire causes water to boil, to make your name known to your adversaries,
so that the nations might tremble at your presence!
When you did awesome deeds that we did not expect,
you came down, the mountains quaked at your presence.
From ages past no one has heard, no ear has perceived, no eye has seen any God besides you,
who works for those who wait for him.
You meet those who gladly do right, those who remember you in your ways.
But you were angry, and we sinned; because you hid yourself we transgressed.
We have all become like one who is unclean, and all our righteous deeds are like a filthy cloth.
We all fade like a leaf, and our iniquities, like the wind, take us away.
There is no one who calls on your name, or attempts to take hold of you;
for you have hidden your face from us, and have delivered us into the hand of our iniquity.
Yet, O Lord, you are our Father; we are the clay, and you are our potter;
we are all the work of your hand.
Do not be exceedingly angry, O Lord, and do not remember iniquity for ever.
Now consider, we are all your people.
Quiet Meditation
Think about what you have read. Keep a notebook, journal or diary by your side and write down any impressions that come to mind, whatever they may be. Add any questions that rise.
1st read through – look for a few words that jump out to you.
2nd read through – ask what God may be trying to say to you through those words, or others if something else jumps out at you.
3rd read through – seek what God is asking you to do.
Prayers
Leader Blessed be you, Gracious One
ALL WHO WAITS WITH OUR WORLD.
WHO NEVER DEPARTS BUT LONGS TO BE INVITED.
WHO NEVER INSISTS BUT COMES WHEN LEAST EXPECTED.
BE IN OUR WAITING AND OUR WATCHING THIS NIGHT.
Leader Praise to you, Ground of our Longing.
ALL YOU SEE OUR RESTLESS HEARTS AND OFFER REST.
YOU SEE OUR SENSE OF INCOMPLETENESS
AND OFFER WHOLENESS.
Leader You hear our prayers for a better world and offer redemption.
ALL YOU SEE OUR WAITING AND YOU KNOW THE TERROR OF OUR
DREAMS THAT NEVER COME TRUE,
BUT STILL YOU WAIT WITH US.
Leader Defend all who wait and wait.
ALL ENCIRCLE US WITH DIGNITY,
AND TEACH US TO LIVE WITHOUT BITTERNESS,
AND TO DISCOVER THE TRUE MEANING OF HOPE..
(Tess Ward – The Celtic Wheel of the Year)
In silence, or by typing them on to the screens, voice your own prayers now for your needs, for those of your family and friends, for the wider community and the world.
Silence is Kept
Closing Prayers for our Dreams
Leader Dream-walk with us this night, outrageous God
who comes in the night, ready or not.
ALL COME TO US THIS NIGHT DEAR GOD
AND TO ALL WHO NEED YOUR PEACE.
WATCH AND WAIT WITH US IN THE DARKNESS
UNTIL THE LIGHT OF JUSTICE DAWNS.
BRING US SAFELY TO TOMORROW AS WE LIE DOWN THIS NIGHT.
We keep silence now as we offer our dreams, our hopes and our fears for our own futures, that The Spirit may whisper to us this night and quicken the life and vision wishing to be born within us.
Blessing
Leader In peace we will lie down and sleep;
ALL FOR YOU ALONE, LORD, MAKE US DWELL IN SAFETY.
Leader Abide with us, Lord Jesus,
ALL FOR THE NIGHT IS AT HAND, AND THE DAY IS NOW PAST.
Leader As the night watch looks for the morning,
ALL SO DO WE LOOK FOR YOU, O CHRIST.
Leader May we wait this night and not lose hope,
that every wound may be bound,
the broken hearted comforted,
the oppressed become free,
that peace will come,
and goodwill for all the earth’s people.
Bless us with the grace to live with incompleteness
as we lie down this night.
And the blessing of God Almighty...
ALL AMEN
Here's the liturgy for tonight's Night Prayer at 7pm. The bad news is that Alison is not available tonight. The good news is that I'm not going to attempt to sing in her place...
So the order is slightly adjusted from normal practice with a few elements from the Franciscans added in.
An Order for Night Prayer
Preparing for Advent
This order is based on the words used for ‘The Well’ and from the Franciscan ‘Celebrating Common Prayer’. Some of the prayers are also taken or adapted from:
Tess Ward, ‘The Celtic Wheel of the Year’, O Books, 2007.
You will need a candle, and a notebook and pen if possible.
The Blessing of Light
A candle is lit
Leader The blessing of God’s light be on this place
on all whom I have seen this day
on all who have come to mind for good or ill.
ALL THE BLESSING OF GOD’S LIGHT IN ALL OUR HOMES
WITHIN OUR WALLS;
WITHIN OUR HEARTS;
WITHIN US ALL.
THE BLESSING OF GOD’S LIGHT IN ALL OUR HOMES.
A Night Prayer
Leader Before the ending of the day
ALL CREATOR OF THE WORLD WE PRAY
THAT YOU, WITH STEADFAST LOVE, WOULD KEEP
YOUR WATCH AROUND US WHILE WE SLEEP.
Leader From evil dreams defend our sight,
ALL FROM FEARS AND TERRORS OF THE NIGHT;
TREAD UNDER FOOT OUR DEADLY FOE
THAT WE NO SINFUL THOUGHT MAY KNOW.
Leader To you, O Christ, all glory be,
ALL WHOSE ADVENT SETS YOUR PEOPLE FREE;
WHOM WITH THE FATHER, WE ADORE,
AND HOLY SPIRIT, EVERMORE. AMEN
The Gift of this Day
Leader For the gift of this day now past
All WE GIVE THANKS.
Leader for what we have gained
for how we have grown
for tasks completed
and hearts held.
Leader We give thanks
for conversation and connection,
for food, fellowship, fun.
For the gift of this day now past
ALL WE GIVE THANKS.
Contemplate in the silence the events of the past day that brought you joy.
*****
Leader For the pain of this day now past
ALL WE SEEK HOPE.
Leader In the ways we have failed;
things not done,
people not seen,
the ways we are lessened, or have lessened others,
by the accidents and chance of this past day.
For the pain of this day now past
ALL WE SEEK HOPE.
Contemplate in the silence the things of the past day you wish you could undo.
Learn to accept that they have been, but are now past.
*****
Leader Grant us healing. Grant us forgiveness. Grant us tomorrow.
ALL AMEN
Leader Let hands fall still.
Let minds quieten.
Let the day's pressing needs pass forever from the earth
-Silence-
Be still, drink deep of comfort
O my soul, drink deep of silence*.
In quietness and rest let your hearts be still.
Trust in the Lord.
O God make speed to save us
O Lord make haste to help us.
ALL GLORY TO THE FATHER AND TO THE SON AND TO THE HOLY SPIRIT;
AS IT WAS IN THE BEGINNING, IS NOW, AND SHALL BE FOREVER.
AMEN.
Psalm143:1-11
Leader Hear my prayer, O Lord;
give ear to my supplications in your faithfulness;
answer me in your righteousness.
ALL DO NOT ENTER INTO JUDGEMENT WITH YOUR SERVANT,
FOR NO ONE LIVING IS RIGHTEOUS BEFORE YOU.
Leader For the enemy has pursued me, crushing my life to the ground,
making me sit in darkness like those long dead.
ALL THEREFORE MY SPIRIT FAINTS WITHIN ME;
MY HEART WITHIN ME IS APPALLED.
Leader I remember the days of old, I think about all your deeds,
I meditate on the works of your hands.
ALL I STRETCH OUT MY HANDS TO YOU;
MY SOUL THIRSTS FOR YOU LIKE A PARCHED LAND.
Leader Answer me quickly, O Lord; my spirit fails.
Do not hide your face from me,
or I shall be like those who go down to the Pit.
ALL LET ME HEAR OF YOUR STEADFAST LOVE IN THE MORNING,
FOR IN YOU I PUT MY TRUST.
TEACH ME THE WAY I SHOULD GO,
FOR TO YOU I LIFT UP MY SOUL.
Leader Save me, O Lord, from my enemies; I have fled to you for refuge.
ALL TEACH ME TO DO YOUR WILL, FOR YOU ARE MY GOD.
LET YOUR GOOD SPIRIT LEAD ME ON A LEVEL PATH.
Leader For your name’s sake, O Lord, preserve my life.
ALL IN YOUR RIGHTEOUSNESS, BRING ME OUT OF TROUBLE.
Leader Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit.
ALL AS IT WAS IN THE BEGINNING, IN NOW,
AND SHALL BE FOREVER. AMEN.
Bible Reading- Lectio Divina
This coming Sunday is Advent Sunday, and the assurance of Christ’s return. Tonight we can begin to focus on the subject matter and allow questions to come to the fore as we engage with the first reading for Sunday; a nation’s plea for help.
As we read this through for the first time look for what jumps out at you. It may be just two or three words or it may be longer than that. In this practice of Lectio Divina we become aware that sometimes God speaks through words to us that may not fit the context of the story, so be open to the Holy Spirit and the possibilities of what may be being said to you.
We will pause between sections, asking for divine guidance. Read them slowly, pause for a minute and then read them again.
Reading
Isaiah 64:1-9
O that you would tear open the heavens and come down,
so that the mountains would quake at your presence as when fire kindles brushwood
and the fire causes water to boil, to make your name known to your adversaries,
so that the nations might tremble at your presence!
When you did awesome deeds that we did not expect,
you came down, the mountains quaked at your presence.
From ages past no one has heard, no ear has perceived, no eye has seen any God besides you,
who works for those who wait for him.
You meet those who gladly do right, those who remember you in your ways.
But you were angry, and we sinned; because you hid yourself we transgressed.
We have all become like one who is unclean, and all our righteous deeds are like a filthy cloth.
We all fade like a leaf, and our iniquities, like the wind, take us away.
There is no one who calls on your name, or attempts to take hold of you;
for you have hidden your face from us, and have delivered us into the hand of our iniquity.
Yet, O Lord, you are our Father; we are the clay, and you are our potter;
we are all the work of your hand.
Do not be exceedingly angry, O Lord, and do not remember iniquity for ever.
Now consider, we are all your people.
Quiet Meditation
Think about what you have read. Keep a notebook, journal or diary by your side and write down any impressions that come to mind, whatever they may be. Add any questions that rise.
1st read through – look for a few words that jump out to you.
2nd read through – ask what God may be trying to say to you through those words, or others if something else jumps out at you.
3rd read through – seek what God is asking you to do.
Prayers
Leader Blessed be you, Gracious One
ALL WHO WAITS WITH OUR WORLD.
WHO NEVER DEPARTS BUT LONGS TO BE INVITED.
WHO NEVER INSISTS BUT COMES WHEN LEAST EXPECTED.
BE IN OUR WAITING AND OUR WATCHING THIS NIGHT.
Leader Praise to you, Ground of our Longing.
ALL YOU SEE OUR RESTLESS HEARTS AND OFFER REST.
YOU SEE OUR SENSE OF INCOMPLETENESS
AND OFFER WHOLENESS.
Leader You hear our prayers for a better world and offer redemption.
ALL YOU SEE OUR WAITING AND YOU KNOW THE TERROR OF OUR
DREAMS THAT NEVER COME TRUE,
BUT STILL YOU WAIT WITH US.
Leader Defend all who wait and wait.
ALL ENCIRCLE US WITH DIGNITY,
AND TEACH US TO LIVE WITHOUT BITTERNESS,
AND TO DISCOVER THE TRUE MEANING OF HOPE..
(Tess Ward – The Celtic Wheel of the Year)
In silence, or by typing them on to the screens, voice your own prayers now for your needs, for those of your family and friends, for the wider community and the world.
Silence is Kept
Closing Prayers for our Dreams
Leader Dream-walk with us this night, outrageous God
who comes in the night, ready or not.
ALL COME TO US THIS NIGHT DEAR GOD
AND TO ALL WHO NEED YOUR PEACE.
WATCH AND WAIT WITH US IN THE DARKNESS
UNTIL THE LIGHT OF JUSTICE DAWNS.
BRING US SAFELY TO TOMORROW AS WE LIE DOWN THIS NIGHT.
We keep silence now as we offer our dreams, our hopes and our fears for our own futures, that The Spirit may whisper to us this night and quicken the life and vision wishing to be born within us.
Blessing
Leader In peace we will lie down and sleep;
ALL FOR YOU ALONE, LORD, MAKE US DWELL IN SAFETY.
Leader Abide with us, Lord Jesus,
ALL FOR THE NIGHT IS AT HAND, AND THE DAY IS NOW PAST.
Leader As the night watch looks for the morning,
ALL SO DO WE LOOK FOR YOU, O CHRIST.
Leader May we wait this night and not lose hope,
that every wound may be bound,
the broken hearted comforted,
the oppressed become free,
that peace will come,
and goodwill for all the earth’s people.
Bless us with the grace to live with incompleteness
as we lie down this night.
And the blessing of God Almighty...
ALL AMEN