Morning & Evening Offices
 
 
Morning & Evening Prayers
 
In keeping with the admonition to pray unceasingly, portions of the divine office were said at various times in both the eastern and western monastic traditions. There are eight of these: Matins, Lauds, Prime, Terce, Sext, None (pronounced nown), Vespers, and Complin. The offices contain various prayers, psalms, and hymns. Prime is a morning devotion. Complin, an evening devotion, is generally the last prayer of the day. They are among the minor offices which are intended to benefit the spiritual development of those who partake in them. We have adapted these two offices for morning and evening prayer.

 

PRIME
(Morning Prayers -- Traditionally said at the first or "prime" hour [6 a.m.])
 
(All stand)
 
The Invocation
 
Priest: (Optional) The priest may recite in Hebrew the, traditional Judaic call to prayer.
In the name of God the Creator, the + Son, and the Holy Spirit.
R: Amen.
 
Priest: Our help is in the name of God the Creator.
C: Who has made heaven and earth.
 
Priest: At morning and at evening will we praise God.
C: For our hearts rest ever in his love.
 
The Confiteor (or Confession)
 
All: I admit to myself and to all here present, that I have erred in thought, word, and deed, by what I have done and by what I have not done; perhaps by not loving enough with my whole heart; perhaps by not forgiving myself and others more completely; perhaps by not treating my neighbors as I would like to be treated; perhaps by not keeping love in my voice and thoughts as I communicate on all levels with those around me. I acknowledge my human imperfections and that I have missed the mark many times. I claim now that your Holy Spirit, which dwells within me, is my true source &endash; and that to the degree that I embody the Christ in thought, word, and deed, I transcend my human imperfections and become a more pure channel for your grace to animate everything I say and do. My purpose in participating in the Divine Office is to be in closer communion with God and to know the truth more profoundly. And so it is, Amen.
 
The Absolution
 
Priest: May God give us the strength and wisdom to forgive others and ourselves for our human failings and weaknesses and bring us all, in peace, to eternal spiritual life. May the blessing of God the Creator, the + Son, and the Holy Spirit be with us all. R: Amen.
 
The First Psalm
 
(The people stand and the psalm is sung or said)
 
Antiphon
 
(Right side) You shall stand every morning to thank and praise the Lord:
(Left side) at morning and likewise in the evening.
 
1. (Right side) O come, let us sing to the Lord:
(Left side) let us heartily rejoice in the strength of our salvation.
 
2. (Right side) Let us come before his presence with thanksgiving:
(Left side) and show ourselves glad in him with psalm
 
3. (Right side) The sea is his and he made it:
(Left side) and his hands prepared the dry land
 
4. (Right side) He is the Lord our God:
(Left side) and we are the people of his pasture and the sheep of his hand.
 
(Right side) Glory be to the Father, and to the + son:
(Left side) and to the Holy Spirit.
 
(Right side) As it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be:
(Left side) world without end. Amen.
 
Antiphon
(Right side) You shall stand every morning to thank and praise the Lord:
(Left side) at morning and likewise in the evening.
 
The Epistle Reading
 
All stand or are seated and the epistle of the day is read by the priest, ministrant, or other appointed reader/lector.
 
(At the conclusion of the reading:)
 
Reader: Here ends the epistle, a message from God.
After the epistle, the following psalm is sung or read.
 
The Second Psalm
 
(The people stand and the psalm is sung or said)
 
Antiphon
(Right side) The morning stars sang together:
(Left side) and all the children of God shouted for joy.
 
1. (Right side) My voice shall you hear in the morning,
O Lord.
(Left side) I will direct my prayer to you and look up.
 
2. (Right side) I will sing of your power:
(Left side) and praise your loving kindness between times in the morning.
 
3. (Right side) In the evening and morning will I call:
(Left side) and he will hear my voice.
 
4. (Right side) The tenderness of the Lord is new every morning:
(Left side) great, O Lord, is your faithfulness.
 
(Right side) As it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be:
(Left side) world without end. Amen.
 
Antiphon
(Right side) The morning stars sang together:
(Left side) and all the children of God shouted for joy.
 
The Gospel Reading
 
All: Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia
 
(The people stand or sit as the gospel of the day is read)
 
(When the Gospel is announced all say:)
 
All: Praise be to you, O Christ
 
(When the Gospel reading is concluded :)
 
Reader: A message from God through Christ Jesus
All: Praise be to you, O Christ
 
Profession of Faith
 
(A profession of faith is selected from the Statement of Principles, An Act of Faith of the Liberal Catholic Church, or the Nicene Creed, as amended in A. D. 381, which are located at the back of this booklet.)
(The people are seated. The collection is taken, after which the priest turns to the people saying:)
 
The Collects
 
(The priest recites the collect for the day and other collects, if any, and then the following:)
 
Priest: O God, our Creator, who is almighty and everlasting, and who sustains us and the entire universe; we ask that you use your power to protect and sustain us today. Grant us the strength to overcome error and selfishness, that everything we do may be influenced by your grace, to seek truth and do that which is right. R: Amen.
 
O Christ, we dedicate this new day to you, praying that your spirit, which dwells in us, will inspire everything we do. R: Amen.
Teach us to see your life in all people and guide us in the path that leads to understanding, peace and goodwill.
R: Amen.
 
The Office Hymn
 
(All rise and sing:)
 
All: Now that the daylight fills the sky
We lift our hearts to you on high
That you, in all we do or say
Will keep us free from harm today
 
May we restrain our tongues from strife
And shield from anger's din our life
And guard with watchful care our eyes
From this world's absorbing vanities
 
May this day, dedicated to thee
A day of joyous service be;
Forgetting self for love of others
May we fulfill your glorious plan
 
Praise God from whom all blessings flow
Praise him, all creatures here below;
Praise him above, you heavenly host,
Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost. Amen.
 
The Third Psalm
 
(The people stand and the psalm is sung or said)
 
Antiphon
 
(Right side) Heaviness may endure for a night
(Left side) but joy comes in the morning.
 
1. (Right side) The just shall be as the light of the morning.
(Left side) even a morning without clouds.
 
2. (Right side) As the tender grass springs from the earth
(Left side) as clear shining after the rain.
 
3. (Right side) The righteous shall be clearer than the noonday
(Left side) they will shine forth, and be as the morning.
 
4. (Right side) Their light shall break forth as the dawn
(Left side) Their righteousness shall go before them and the glory of the Lord shall be their reward.
 
(Right side) Glory be to the Father and to the + Son
(Left side) and to the Holy Spirit.
 
(Right side) As it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be
(Left side) world without end. Amen.
 
Antiphon
(Right side) Heaviness may endure for a night
(Left side) but joy comes in the morning.
 
Concluding Prayer
 
Priest: Be with us, Lord, throughout this day, that in everything we begin, continue, and end, we express your inspiration. R: Amen.
 
Priest: Breath on us, O Spirit of God.
C: With your strength we can do anything.
 
Priest: May our hearts be filled with your love.
C: With your strength we can do anything.
 
Priest: Glory be to God, our Creator, and to the + Son, and to the Holy Spirit.
C: With your strength we can do anything.
 
The Benediction
Priest: Unto God's gracious love and protection we commit ourselves; may God + bless us and keep us; be with us and be gracious to us; may God shine the light of his grace upon us and give us his peace, today and evermore. R: Amen.
 
COMPLINE
 
(Evening Prayers -- Last office of the day)
 
(All stand)
 
The Invocation
 
Priest: (Optional) The priest may recite in Hebrew the, traditional Judaic call to prayer.
In the name of God the Creator, the + Son, and the Holy Spirit.
 
R: Amen.
 
Priest: O God, open thou our lips:
C: and from our mouths shall pour forth your praise.
 
Priest: Our help is in the name of the Lord:
C: who has made heaven and earth.
 
Priest: At morning and at evening will we praise him:
C: for our hearts rest ever in his love.
 
The Confiteor (or Confession)
 
All: I admit to myself and to all here present, that I have erred in thought, word, and deed, by what I have done and by what I have not done; perhaps by not loving enough with my whole heart; perhaps by not forgiving myself and others more completely; perhaps by not treating my neighbors as I would like to be treated; perhaps by not keeping love in my voice and thoughts as I communicate on all levels with those around me. I acknowledge my human imperfections and that I have missed the mark many times. I claim now that your Holy Spirit, which dwells within me, is my true source &endash; and that to the degree that I embody the Christ in thought, word, and deed, I transcend my human imperfections and become a more pure channel for your grace to animate everything I say and do. My purpose in participating in the Divine Office is to be in closer communion with God and to know the truth more profoundly. And so it is, Amen.
 
The Absolution
 
Priest: May God give us the strength and wisdom to forgive others and ourselves for our human failings and weaknesses and bring us all, in peace, to eternal spiritual life. May the blessing of God the Creator, the + Son, and the Holy Spirit be with us all. R: Amen.
 
The First Psalm
 
(The people stand and the psalm is sung or said)
 
Antiphon
 
(Right side) You are my lamp, O Lord.
(Left side) The Lord will lighten my darkness
 
1. (Right side) Behold nightfall comes:
(Left side) and darkness covers the earth.
 
2. (Right side) But your candle, O Lord, shines upon my head:
(Left side) and by your light I walk through the darkness.
 
3. (Right side) You have brought us out of darkness and out of the shadow of death:
(Left side) and broken our bonds asunder.
 
4. (Right side) Yea, the darkness is not darkness with you, the night is as clear as the day:
(Left side) the darkness and the light to you are both alike.
 
(Right side) Glory be to the Father, and to the + Son
(Left side) and to the Holy Spirit
 
(Right side) As it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be
(Left side) World without end. Amen.
 
Antiphon
(Right side) You are my lamp, O Lord.
(Left side) The Lord will lighten my darkness
 
The Epistle Reading
 
All stand or are seated and the epistle of the day is read by the priest, ministrant, or other appointed reader/lector.
 
After the epistle, the following psalm is sung or read.
 
The Second Psalm
 
The people stand and the psalm is sung or said)
 
Antiphon
(Right side) He has called us out of darkness
(Left side) Into his marvelous light.
 
1. (Right side) Who is there that walks in darkness:
(Left side) and has no light?
 
2. (Right side) Let them trust in the Lord:
(Left side) and stay upon our God.
 
3. (Right side) To the godly there arises light in the darkness:
(Left side) he is merciful, loving and righteous.
 
4. (Right side) I am the light, says the Lord:
(Left side) he who follows me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life.
 
(Right side) Glory be to the Father and to the + Son:
(Left side) and to the Holy Spirit.
 
(Right side) As it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be:
(Left side) world without end. Amen.
 
Antiphon
(Right side) He has called us out of darkness
(Left side) Into his marvelous light.
 
The Gospel Reading
 
All: Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia
 
(The people stand or sit as the gospel of the day is read)
 
(When the Gospel is announced all say:)
 
All: Praise be to you, O Christ
 
(When the Gospel reading is concluded :)
 
Reader: A message from Christ Jesus
All: Praise be to you, O Christ
 
Profession of Faith
 
(A profession of faith is selected from the Statement of Principles, An Act of Faith of the Liberal Catholic Church, or the Nicene Creed, as amended in A. D. 381, which are located at the back.)
(The people are seated. The collection is taken, after which the priest turns to the people saying:)
 
The Collects
 
(The priest recites the collect for the day and other collects, if any, and then the following:)
 
Priest: O God, our Creator, who is almighty and everlasting, and who sustains us and the entire universe; we ask that you use your power to protect and sustain us tonight. Grant us the strength to overcome error and selfishness, that everything we do may be influenced by your grace, to seek truth and do that which is right. R: Amen.
 
O God, who protects all those who put their faith in you, send forth your spiritual power so that our bodies will be kept safe from physical danger and our souls from all evil influences. R: Amen.
 
O Christ, teach us to see your life in all people and guide us in the path that leads to understanding, peace and goodwill. R: Amen.
 
The Office Hymn
 
(All rise and sing:)
 
All: Glory to you, my God, this night
For all the blessings of the light;
Keep me, O keep me, king of kings,
Beneath your own almighty wings.
 
Free me, Lord, from every sin
And fill my heart with love within
That with the world, myself, and you
At peace I might be.
 
If in the night I sleepless lie
My mind with heavenly thought supply;
Let no ill dreams disturb my rest,
Nor powers of darkness me molest.
 
Praise God from whom all blessings flow;
Praise him, all creatures here below;
Praise him above, you heavenly host,
Praise Father, Son and Holy Ghost. Amen.
 
Nunc Dimitis
 
(The people may sit while the psalm is sung or said)
 
Antiphon
 
(Right side) I will lay me down in peace and take my rest.
(Left side) For it is you, Lord, only who lets me dwell in safety.
 
1. (Right side) Lord, now let your servant depart in peace:
(Left side) according to your word.
 
2. (Right side) For my my eyes have seen:
(Left side) your salvation.
 
3. (Right side) Which you have prepared:
(Left side) before the face of all people;
 
4. (Right side) To be a light to lighten the gentiles:
(Left side) and to the glory of your people Israel.
 
(Right side) Glory be to the Father and to the Son
(Left side) and to the Holy Spirit.
 
(Right side) As it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be:
(Left side) world without end. Amen.
 
Antiphon
(Right side) I will lay me down in peace and take my rest.
(Left side) For it is you, Lord, only who lets me dwell in safety.
 
Concluding Prayer
 
Priest: Be with us in our homes, O God, and let your holy angels dwell therein, to preserve us in peace; and let your blessing + rest ever upon us.
R: Amen.
 
Priest: Look, O God, upon this your family.
C: Into your hands I entrust my spirit.
 
Priest: Hide us under the shadow of your wings.
C: Into your hands I entrust my spirit.
 
Priest: Glory be to God our Creator, and to the + Son, and to the Holy Spirit.
C: Into your hands I entrust my spirit.
 
The Benediction
 
Priest: Unto God's gracious love and protection we commit ourselves; may God + bless us and keep us; be with us and be gracious to us; may God shine the light of his grace upon us and give us his peace, today and evermore. R: Amen.