3. An Evening Service of the Word

An Evening Service of the Word

Notes

Type of service

¶ A non-eucharistic evening service;

¶ A fully worked out sample, suitable for local reproduction;

¶ Designed to be suitable for regular use and for a variety of contexts.

Hymns and songs

Suggested places have been indicated. Note that the second response in the Greeting section might need to be changed if a hymn or song precedes, rather than follows, the Greeting.

Penitence

Note that the confession and absolution have been used as part of the response to the Word, rather than at the beginning of the service.

Prayers

A form of prayers of intercession has been included. Other forms can be used. Thanksgiving could use set prayers (such as the General Thanksgiving (G57) or one of the sets of acclamations (G22–G55)) or might be an opportunity for extempore prayer if the size of congregation and acoustics of the building are suitable.

Creed

If this service forms the principal service on a Sunday or Principal Holy Day then one of the authorized Creeds or Affirmations of Faith would need to be included. It might be added to the response to the Word, coming after the Confession and Praise and before the Prayers.

An Evening Service of the Word

We say together the words printed in bold.

Preparation

Greeting

The light and peace of Jesus Christ be with you

All and also with you.

The glory of the Lord has risen upon us.

All Let us rejoice and sing God’s praise for ever.

Song(s) or a hymn may be sung.

Opening Prayer

Faithful one, whose word is life:

come with saving power

to free our praise,

inspire our prayer

and shape our lives

for the kingdom of your Son,

Jesus Christ our Lord.

All Amen.

(or)

O Lord, we call to you: come to us quickly.

All Hear us when we cry to you.

Let our prayers rise up before you like incense.

All Let our lifted hands be like an evening sacrifice.

Glory to the Father and to the Son

and to the Holy Spirit;

All as it was in the beginning is now

and shall be for ever.

Amen.

The Word

Psalm

A psalm, or a song or hymn based on a passage of Scripture, may be used.

Reading(s)

At the end of each reading this response may be used

This is the word of the Lord.

All Thanks be to God.

Response to God’s Word

Sermon

Song(s) or a hymn may be sung.

Confession and Forgiveness

Christ the light of the world has come to dispel

the darkness of our hearts.

In his light let us examine ourselves and confess our sins.

Silence may be kept.

Let us admit to God the sin which always confronts us.

All Lord God,

we have sinned against you;

we have done evil in your sight.

We are sorry and repent.

Have mercy on us according to your love.

Wash away our wrongdoing and cleanse us from our sin.

Renew a right spirit within us

and restore us to the joy of your salvation,

through Jesus Christ our Lord.

Amen.

The minister declares God’s forgiveness.

Praise

Blessed are you, Lord our God, King of the universe.

All To you be glory and praise for ever.

From the rising of the sun to its setting

your name is proclaimed in all the world.

All To you be glory and praise for ever.

When the time had fully come

you sent the Sun of Righteousness.

All In him the fullness of your glory dwells.

To you be glory and praise for ever.

Song(s) or a hymn may be sung.

Prayers

Prayers of Thanks and Intercession

This, or some other form, may be used:

(We pray to the Lord:

in faith we pray.

All We pray to you our God.)

That the rest of this day may be holy,

peaceful and full of your presence;

in faith we pray.