Evening Prayer from
    The Book of Common Prayer
    Sunday, 31 March 2024
Easter Day
  The introduction to the service is used on Sundays, and may be used on any occasion. If the Introduction is not used, the service begins with the opening responses.
  Introduction
   
  The minister may use a seasonal sentence before using one or more of the penitential sentences.
   
  The minister introduces the service
     
    Dearly beloved [brethren],
    the Scripture moveth us in sundry places to acknowledge
       and confess our manifold sins and wickedness;
     
    [and that we should not dissemble nor cloak them before
       the face of almighty God our heavenly Father;
    but confess them with an humble, lowly, penitent and
       obedient heart;
    to the end that we may obtain forgiveness of the same
       by his infinite goodness and mercy.
    And although we ought at all times humbly to acknowledge
       our sins before God;
    yet ought we most chiefly so to do,
    when we assemble and meet together
    to render thanks for the great benefits that we have
       received at his hands,
    to set forth his most worthy praise,
    to hear his most holy word,
    and to ask those things which are requisite and necessary,
    as well for the body as the soul.]
     
    Wherefore I pray and beseech you,
    as many as are here present,
    to accompany me with a pure heart, and humble voice,
    unto the throne of the heavenly grace, saying [after me]:
     
    (or)
     
    Beloved, we are come together in the presence of almighty God and of the whole company of heaven to offer unto him through our Lord Jesus Christ our worship and praise and thanksgiving; to make confession of our sins; to pray, as well for others as for ourselves, that we may know more truly the greatness of God's love and shew forth in our lives the fruits of his grace; and to ask on behalf of all men such things as their well-being doth require.
     
    Wherefore let us kneel in silence, and remember God's presence with us now.
   
All
   Almighty and most merciful Father,
    we have erred, and strayed from thy ways like lost sheep.
    We have followed too much the devices and desires
       of our own hearts.
    We have offended against thy holy laws.
    We have left undone those things
       which we ought to have done;
    and we have done those things
         which we ought not to have done;
    and there is no health in us.
    But thou, O Lord, have mercy upon us, miserable offenders.
    Spare thou them, O God, which confess their faults.
    Restore thou them that are penitent;
    according to thy promises declared unto mankind
       in Christ Jesu our Lord.
    And grant, O most merciful Father, for his sake,
    that we may hereafter live a godly, righteous, and sober life,
    to the glory of thy holy name.
  Amen.
   
  A priest says
     
    Almighty God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ,
    who desireth not the death of a sinner,
    but rather that he may turn from his wickedness and live;
    and hath given power, and commandment, to his ministers
    to declare and pronounce to his people, being penitent,
    the absolution and remission of their sins:
    he pardoneth and absolveth all them that truly repent
       and unfeignedly believe his holy gospel.
    Wherefore let us beseech him to grant us true repentance,
       and his Holy Spirit,
    that those things may please him which we do at this present;
    and that the rest of our life hereafter may be pure and holy;
    so that at the last we may come to his eternal joy;
    through Jesus Christ our Lord.
All
   Amen.
   
  or other ministers may say
     
    Grant, we beseech thee, merciful Lord,
    to thy faithful people pardon and peace,
    that they may be cleansed from all their sins,
    and serve thee with a quiet mind;
    through Jesus Christ our Lord.
All
   Amen.
   
All
   Our Father, which art in heaven,
    hallowed be thy name;
    thy kingdom come;
    thy will be done,
    in earth as it is in heaven.
    Give us this day our daily bread.
    And forgive us our trespasses,
  as we forgive them that trespass against us.
    And lead us not into temptation;
    but deliver us from evil.
    For thine is the kingdom,
    the power and the glory,
    for ever and ever.
    Amen.
  Evening Prayer
     
    The introduction to the service is used on Sundays, and may be used on any occasion. If the Introduction is not used, the service begins with the opening responses.
     
    These responses are used
     
    O Lord, open thou our lips
All
   and our mouth shall shew forth thy praise.
     
    O God, make speed to save us.
All
   O Lord, make haste to help us.
     
    Glory be to the Father, and to the Son,
    and to the Holy Ghost;
All
   as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be,
    world without end. Amen.
     
    Praise ye the Lord.
All
   The Lord's name be praised.
     
  Psalmody  
   

Psalm 105

  
 

  
1
 Give thanks unto the Lord, and call upon his Name *
 tell the people what things he hath done.
  
 
  
2
 O let your songs be of him, and praise him *
 and let your talking be of all his wondrous works.
  
 
  
3
 Rejoice in his holy Name *
 let the heart of them rejoice that seek the Lord.
  
 
  
4
 Seek the Lord and his strength *
 seek his face evermore.
  
 
  
5
 Remember the marvellous works that he hath done *
 his wonders, and the judgements of his mouth,
  
 
  
6
 O ye seed of Abraham his servant *
 ye children of Jacob his chosen.
  
 
  
7
 He is the Lord our God *
 his judgements are in all the world.
  
 
  
8
 He hath been alway mindful of his covenant and promise *
 that he made to a thousand generations;
  
 
  
9
 Even the covenant that he made with Abraham *
 and the oath that he sware unto Isaac;
  
 
  
10
 And appointed the same unto Jacob for a law *
 and to Israel for an everlasting testament;
  
 
  
11
 Saying, Unto thee will I give the land of Canaan *
 the lot of your inheritance;
  
 
  
12
 When there were yet but a few of them *
 and they strangers in the land;
  
 
  
13
 What time as they went from one nation to another *
 from one kingdom to another people;
  
 
  
14
 He suffered no man to do them wrong *
 but reproved even kings for their sakes;
  
 
  
15
 Touch not mine Anointed *
 and do my prophets no harm.
  
 
  
16
 Moreover, he called for a dearth upon the land *
 and destroyed all the provision of bread.
  
 
  
17
 But he had sent a man before them *
 even Joseph, who was sold to be a bond-servant;
  
 
  
18
 Whose feet they hurt in the stocks *
 the iron entered into his soul;
  
 
  
19
 Until the time came that his cause was known *
 the word of the Lord tried him.
  
 
  
20
 The king sent, and delivered him *
 the prince of the people let him go free.
  
 
  
21
 He made him lord also of his house *
 and ruler of all his substance;
  
 
  
22
 That he might inform his princes after his will *
 and teach his senators wisdom.
  
 
  
23
 Israel also came into Egypt *
 and Jacob was a stranger in the land of Ham.
  
 
  
24
 And he increased his people exceedingly *
 and made them stronger than their enemies;
  
 
  
25
 Whose heart turned so, that they hated his people *
 and dealt untruly with his servants.
  
 
  
26
 Then sent he Moses his servant *
 and Aaron whom he had chosen.
  
 
  
27
 And these shewed his tokens among them *
 and wonders in the land of Ham.
  
 
  
28
 He sent darkness, and it was dark *
 and they were not obedient unto his word.
  
 
  
29
 He turned their waters into blood *
 and slew their fish.
  
 
  
30
 Their land brought forth frogs *
 yea, even in their kings’ chambers.
  
 
  
31
 He spake the word, and there came all manner of flies *
 and lice in all their quarters.
  
 
  
32
 He gave them hail-stones for rain *
 and flames of fire in their land.
  
 
  
33
 He smote their vines also and fig-trees *
 and destroyed the trees that were in their coasts.
  
 
  
34
 He spake the word, and the grass hoppers came, and caterpillars innumerable *
 and did eat up all the grass in their land, and devoured the fruit of their ground.
  
 
  
35
 He smote all the first-born in their land *
 even the chief of all their strength.
  
 
  
36
 He brought them forth also with silver and gold *
 there was not one feeble person among their tribes.
  
 
  
37
 Egypt was glad at their departing *
 for they were afraid of them.
  
 
  
38
 He spread out a cloud to be a covering *
 and fire to give light in the night-season.
  
 
  
39
 At their desire he brought quails *
 and he filled them with the bread of heaven.
  
 
  
40
 He opened the rock of stone, and the waters flowed out *
 so that rivers ran in the dry places.
  
 
  
41
 For why? he remembered his holy promise *
 and Abraham his servant.
  
 
  
42
 And he brought forth his people with joy *
 and his chosen with gladness;
  
 
  
43
 And gave them the lands of the heathen *
 and they took the labours of the people in possession;
  
 
  
44
 That they might keep his statutes *
 and observe his laws.
  
 
     
    At the end of each psalm these words are said 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.
     
    Old Testament Reading  
 
   

First Reading: Ezekiel 37.1-14

 

The hand of the Lord was upon me, and carried me out in the spirit of the Lord, and set me down in the midst of the valley which was full of bones,

And caused me to pass by them round about: and, behold, there were very many in the open valley; and, lo, they were very dry.
 And he said unto me, Son of man, can these bones live? And I answered, O Lord God, thou knowest.
 Again he said unto me, Prophesy upon these bones, and say unto them, O ye dry bones, hear the word of the Lord.
 Thus saith the Lord God unto these bones; Behold, I will cause breath to enter into you, and ye shall live:
 And I will lay sinews upon you, and will bring up flesh upon you, and cover you with skin, and put breath in you, and ye shall live; and ye shall know that I am the Lord.
 So I prophesied as I was commanded: and as I prophesied, there was a noise, and behold a shaking, and the bones came together, bone to his bone.
 And when I beheld, lo, the sinews and the flesh came up upon them, and the skin covered them above: but there was no breath in them.
 Then said he unto me, Prophesy unto the wind, prophesy, son of man, and say to the wind, Thus saith the Lord God; Come from the four winds, O breath, and breathe upon these slain, that they may live.
 So I prophesied as he commanded me, and the breath came into them, and they lived, and stood up upon their feet, an exceeding great army.
 Then he said unto me, Son of man, these bones are the whole house of Israel: behold, they say, Our bones are dried, and our hope is lost: we are cut off for our parts.
 Therefore prophesy and say unto them, Thus saith the Lord God; Behold, O my people, I will open your graves, and cause you to come up out of your graves, and bring you into the land of Israel.
 And ye shall know that I am the Lord, when I have opened your graves, O my people, and brought you up out of your graves,
 And shall put my spirit in you, and ye shall live, and I shall place you in your own land: then shall ye know that I the Lord have spoken it, and performed it, saith the Lord.

       
  Magnificat  
     
    Either the Magnificat (as follows) or Cantate Domino (Psalm 98) is said or sung.
     
1
   My soul doth magnify the Lord :
    and my spirit hath rejoiced in God my Saviour.
     
2
   For he hath regarded :
    the lowliness of his handmaiden.
     
3
   For behold, from henceforth :
    all generations shall call me blessed.
     
4
   For he that is mighty hath magnified me :
    and holy is his Name.
     
5
   And his mercy is on them that fear him :
    throughout all generations.
     
6
   He hath shewed strength with his arm :
    he hath scattered the proud in the imagination of their hearts.
     
7
   He hath put down the mighty from their seat :
    and hath exalted the humble and meek.
     
8
   He hath filled the hungry with good things :
    and the rich he hath sent empty away.
     
9
   He remembering his mercy hath holpen his servant Israel :
    as he promised to our forefathers, Abraham and his seed for ever.
   
Luke 1.46-55
     
    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.
     
  New Testament Reading  
 
   

Second Reading: Luke 24.13-35

And, behold, two of them went that same day to a village called Emmaus, which was from Jerusalem about threescore furlongs.
 And they talked together of all these things which had happened.
 And it came to pass, that, while they communed together and reasoned, Jesus himself drew near, and went with them.
 But their eyes were holden that they should not know him.
 And he said unto them, What manner of communications are these that ye have one to another, as ye walk, and are sad?
 And the one of them, whose name was Cleopas, answering said unto him, Art thou only a stranger in Jerusalem, and hast not known the things which are come to pass there in these days?
 And he said unto them, What things? And they said unto him, Concerning Jesus of Nazareth, which was a prophet mighty in deed and word before God and all the people:
 And how the chief priests and our rulers delivered him to be condemned to death, and have crucified him.
 But we trusted that it had been he which should have redeemed Israel: and beside all this, to day is the third day since these things were done.
 Yea, and certain women also of our company made us astonished, which were early at the sepulchre;
 And when they found not his body, they came, saying, that they had also seen a vision of angels, which said that he was alive.
 And certain of them which were with us went to the sepulchre, and found it even so as the women had said: but him they saw not.
 Then he said unto them, O fools, and slow of heart to believe all that the prophets have spoken:
 Ought not Christ to have suffered these things, and to enter into his glory?
 And beginning at Moses and all the prophets, he expounded unto them in all the scriptures the things concerning himself.
 And they drew nigh unto the village, whither they went: and he made as though he would have gone further.
 But they constrained him, saying, Abide with us: for it is toward evening, and the day is far spent. And he went in to tarry with them.
 And it came to pass, as he sat at meat with them, he took bread, and blessed it, and brake, and gave to them.
 And their eyes were opened, and they knew him; and he vanished out of their sight.
 And they said one to another, Did not our heart burn within us, while he talked with us by the way, and while he opened to us the scriptures?
 And they rose up the same hour, and returned to Jerusalem, and found the eleven gathered together, and them that were with them,
 Saying, The Lord is risen indeed, and hath appeared to Simon.
 And they told what things were done in the way, and how he was known of them in breaking of bread.

     
  Nunc dimittis  
     
    Either the Nunc dimittis (as follows) or Deus misereatur (Psalm 67) is said or sung.
     
1
   Lord, now lettest thou thy servant depart in peace :
    according to thy word.
     
2
   For mine eyes have seen :
    thy salvation;
     
3
   Which thou hast prepared :
    before the face of all people;
     
4
   To be a light to lighten the Gentiles :
    and to be the glory of thy people Israel.
   
Luke 2.29-32
     
    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.
     
  The Apostles' Creed  
     
All
   I believe in God the Father almighty,
    maker of heaven and earth:
    and in Jesus Christ his only Son our Lord,
    who was conceived by the Holy Ghost,
    born of the Virgin Mary,
    suffered under Pontius Pilate,
    was crucified, dead, and buried.
    He descended into hell;
    the third day he rose again from the dead;
    he ascended into heaven,
    and sitteth on the right hand of God the Father almighty;
    from thence he shall come to judge the quick and the dead.
    I believe in the Holy Ghost;
    the holy catholic Church;
    the communion of saints;
    the forgiveness of sins;
    the resurrection of the body,
    and the life everlasting.
    Amen.
     
  Prayers  
     
    The Lord be with you.
All
   And with thy spirit.
     
    Let us pray.
     
    Lord, have mercy upon us.
All
   Christ, have mercy upon us.
    Lord, have mercy upon us.
     
All
   Our Father, which art in heaven,
    hallowed be thy name;
    thy kingdom come;
    thy will be done,
    in earth as it is in heaven.
    Give us this day our daily bread.
    And forgive us our trespasses,
    as we forgive them that trespass against us.
    And lead us not into temptation;
    but deliver us from evil. Amen.
     
    O Lord, shew thy mercy upon us.
All
   And grant us thy salvation.
     
    O Lord, save the King.
All
   And mercifully hear us when we call upon thee.
     
    Endue thy ministers with righteousness.
All
   And make thy chosen people joyful.
     
    O Lord, save thy people.
All
   And bless thine inheritance.
     
    Give peace in our time, O Lord.
All
   Because there is none other that fighteth for us,
    but only thou, O God.
     
    O God, make clean our hearts within us.
All
   And take not thy Holy Spirit from us.
     
    Three Collects are said.
     
  The Collect of the Day  
     
    Almighty God, who through thine only-begotten Son Jesus Christ hast overcome death, and opened unto us the gate of everlasting life; We humbly beseech thee, that, as by thy special grace preventing us thou dost put into our minds good desires, so by thy continual help we may bring the same to good effect; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who liveth and reigneth with thee and the Holy Ghost, ever one God, world without end.
All
   Amen.
     
     
  The Collect for Peace  
     
    O God, from whom all holy desires, all good counsels,
         and all just works do proceed;
    give unto thy servants that peace which the world cannot give;
    that both, our hearts may be set to obey thy commandments,
    and also that, by thee,
    we being defended from the fear of our enemies
    may pass our time in rest and quietness;
    through the merits of Jesus Christ our Saviour.
All
   Amen.
     
  The Collect for Aid against all Perils  
     
    Lighten our darkness, we beseech thee, O Lord;
    and by thy great mercy defend us
         from all perils and dangers of this night;
    for the love of thy only Son, our Saviour, Jesus Christ.
All
   Amen.
     
    The order for the end of the service may include:
     
    hymns or anthems
       a sermon
    further prayers (which may include prayers from here)
     
    This prayer may be used to conclude the service
     
    The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ,
    and the love of God,
    and the fellowship of the Holy Ghost,
    be with us all evermore.
All
   Amen.
     
© The Archbishops' Council of the Church of England, 2000-2004
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