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.
All We pray to you our God.
That the work we have done and the people we have met today
may bring us closer to you;
in faith we pray.
All We pray to you our God.
That we may hear and respond to your call to peace and justice;
in faith we pray.
All We pray to you our God.
That you will sustain the faith and hope of those who are lonely,
oppressed and anxious;
in faith we pray.
All We pray to you our God.
That you will strengthen us in your service,
and fill our hearts with longing for your kingdom;
in faith we pray.
All We pray to you our God.
God of mercy,
All you know us and love us
and hear our prayer:
keep us in the eternal fellowship of Jesus Christ our Saviour.
Amen.
The Collect
The prayer of the day is said.
The Lord’s Prayer
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 kingdom, the power,
and the glory are yours
now and for ever.
Amen.
Conclusion
Song(s) or Hymn
Final Prayer
All In darkness and in light,
in trouble and in joy,
help us, heavenly Father,
to trust your love,
to serve your purpose,
and to praise your name;
through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Amen.
Sending Out
A blessing, the Grace or the sharing of the Peace may conclude the service, or these responses may be used
Jesus Christ is the light of the world:
All a light no darkness can quench.
Stay with us, Lord, for it is evening:
All and the day is almost over.
The darkness is not dark to you:
All the night is as bright as the day.
Let your light scatter the darkness:
All and fill your church with your glory. Amen.
A service from New Patterns for Worship. Compilation copyright © The Archbishops’ Council 2002.
New Patterns for Worship, material from which is included here,
is copyright © The Archbishops' Council 2002 and published by Church House Publishing.