The St. Bede’s Breviary, v2.0

Morning Prayer for 8/29/2026

Saturday after Proper 16

(Commemoration of The Martyrdom of John the Baptist)

(Commemoration of The Beheading of Saint John the Baptist)

Pre-Office Angelus [+][-]

V. The Angel of the Lord announced to Mary
R. And she conceived by the Holy Spirit.

Hail Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with you. Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb, Jesus

Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners, now and at the hour of our death. Amen.

V. Behold the handmaid of the Lord
R. Be it unto me according to your word

Hail Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with you. Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb, Jesus

Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners,
now and at the hour of our death. Amen.

V. And the Word was made flesh.
R. And dwelled among us.

Hail Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with you. Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb, Jesus

Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners, now and at the hour of our death. Amen.

V. Pray for us, O holy Mother of God.
R. That we may be made worthy of the promises of Christ.

Let us pray:
Pour your grace into our hearts, O Lord, that we who have known the incarnation of your Son Jesus Christ, announced by an angel to the Virgin Mary, may by his cross and passion be brought to the glory of his resurrection; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

R. The angel of the Lord announced unto Mary;
V. And she conceived by the Holy Ghost.

Hail Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with thee. Blessed art thou amongst women and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus.

Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners, now, and at the hour of our death. Amen.

R. Behold the handmaid of the Lord:
V. Be it unto me according to Thy word.

Hail Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with thee. Blessed art thou amongst women and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus.

Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners, now, and at the hour of our death. Amen.

R. And the Word was made flesh:
V. And dwelt among us.

Hail Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with thee. Blessed art thou amongst women and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus.

Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners, now, and at the hour of our death. Amen.

V. Pray for us, O Holy Mother of God.
R. That we may be made worthy of the promises of Christ.

Let us pray:
We beseech Thee, O Lord, pour thy grace into our hearts, that we who have known the incarnation of thy Son Jesus Christ, announced by an angel to the Virgin Mary, may by his cross and passion be brought to the glory of His resurrection, who liveth and reigneth with thee, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.

Grace be unto you, and peace, from God our Father, and from the Lord Jesus Christ. Phillipians 1:2

Grace to you and peace from God our Father and from the Lord Jesus Christ. Phillipians 1:2

Confession of Sin [+][-]

Dearly beloved, we have come together in the presence of Almighty God our heavenly Father, to render thanks for the great benefits that we have received at his hands, to set forth his most worthy praise, to hear this holy Word, and to ask, for ourselves and on behalf of others, those things that are necessary for our life and our salvation. And so that we may prepare ourselves in heart and mind to worship him, let us kneel in silence, and with penitent and obedient hearts confess our sins, that we may obtain forgiveness by his infinite goodness and mercy.

Silence may be kept.

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. But thou, O Lord, have mercy upon us, spare thou those who confess their faults, restore thou those who are penitent, according to thy promises declared unto mankind in Christ Jesus 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.

The Almighty and merciful Lord grant us absolution and remission of all our sins, true repentance, amendment of life, and the grace and consolation of his Holy Spirit. Amen.

Dearly beloved, we have come together in the presence of Almighty God our heavenly Father, to set forth his praise, to hear his holy Word, and to ask, for ourselves and on behalf of others, those things that are necessary for our life and our salvation. And so that we may prepare ourselves in heart and mind to worship him, let us kneel in silence, and with penitent and obedient hearts confess our sins, that we may obtain forgiveness by his infinite goodness and mercy.

Silence may be kept.

Most merciful God, we confess that we have sinned against you in thought, word, and deed, by what we have done, and by what we have left undone. We have not loved you with our whole heart; we have not loved our neighbors as ourselves. We are truly sorry and we humbly repent. For the sake of your Son Jesus Christ, have mercy on us and forgive us; that we may delight in your will, and walk in your ways, to the glory of your Name. Amen.

Almighty God have mercy on us, forgive us all our sins through our Lord Jesus Christ, strengthen us in all goodness, and by the power of the Holy Spirit keep us in eternal life. Amen.

The Invitatory and Psalter

V. Lord, open our lips.
R. And our mouth shall proclaim your praise.

Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit:*
     As it was in the beginning, is now, and will be for ever. Amen.

V. O Lord, open thou our lips.
R. And our mouth shall show forth thy praise.

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.

Alleluia.

Venite Psalm 95:1-7; 96:9, 13

Worship the Lord in the beauty of holiness: O come, let us adore him.

Worship the Lord in the beauty of holiness: O come, let us adore him.

O come, let us sing unto the Lord; *
      let us heartily rejoice in the strength of our salvation.
Let us come before his presence with thanksgiving *
      and show ourselves glad in him with psalms.

Worship the Lord in the beauty of holiness: O come, let us adore him.[+][-]

For the Lord is a great God, *
      and a great King above all gods.
In his hand are all the corners of the earth, *
      and the strength of the hills is his also.
The sea is his, and he made it, *
      and his hands prepared the dry land.

Worship the Lord in the beauty of holiness: O come, let us adore him.

O come, let us worship and fall down *
      and kneel before the Lord our Maker.
For he is the Lord our God, *
      and we are the people of his pasture
      and the sheep of his hand.

Worship the Lord in the beauty of holiness: O come, let us adore him.

O worship the Lord in the beauty of holiness; *
      let the whole earth stand in awe of him.
For he cometh, for he cometh to judge the earth, *
      and with righteousness to judge the world
      and the peoples with his truth.

Worship the Lord in the beauty of holiness: O come, let us adore him.

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.

Worship the Lord in the beauty of holiness: O come, let us adore him.

Worship the Lord in the beauty of holiness: O come, let us adore him.

Venite Psalm 95:1-7

Worship the Lord in the beauty of holiness: Come let us adore him.

Worship the Lord in the beauty of holiness: Come let us adore him.

Come, let us sing to the Lord; *
      let us shout for joy to the Rock of our salvation.
Let us come before his presence with thanksgiving *
      and raise a loud shout to him with psalms.

Worship the Lord in the beauty of holiness: Come let us adore him.[+][-]

For the Lord is a great God, *
      and a great King above all gods.
In his hand are the caverns of the earth, *
      and the heights of the hills are his also.
The sea is his, for he made it, *
      and his hands have molded the dry land.

Worship the Lord in the beauty of holiness: Come let us adore him.

Come, let us bow down, and bend the knee, *
      and kneel before the Lord our Maker.
For he is our God,
and we are the people of his pasture and the sheep of his hand. *
      Oh, that today you would hearken to his voice!

Worship the Lord in the beauty of holiness: Come let us adore him.

Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit:*
     As it was in the beginning, is now, and will be for ever. Amen.

Worship the Lord in the beauty of holiness: Come let us adore him.

Worship the Lord in the beauty of holiness: Come let us adore him.

The Psalm or Psalms Appointed


Psalm 139 Domine, probasti

If I climb up into heaven thou art there; if I go down to hell thou art there also.

  O LORD, thou hast searched me out, and known me. *
      Thou knowest my down-sitting, and mine uprising; thou understandest my thoughts long before.
   Thou art about my path, and about my bed; *
      and art acquainted with all my ways.
   For lo, there is not a word in my tongue, *
      but thou, O LORD, knowest it altogether.
   Thou hast beset me behind and before, *
      and laid thine hand upon me.
   Such knowledge is too wonderful and excellent for me; *
      I cannot attain unto it.
   Whither shall I go then from thy Spirit? *
      or whither shall I go then from thy presence?
   If I climb up into heaven, thou art there; *
      if I go down to hell, thou art there also.
   If I take the wings of the morning, *
      and remain in the uttermost parts of the sea;
   Even there also shall thy hand lead me, *
      and thy right hand shall hold me.
10    If I say, Peradventure the darkness shall cover me; *
      then shall my night be turned to day.
11    Yea, the darkness is no darkness with thee, but the night is as clear as the day; *
      the darkness and light to thee are both alike.
12    For my reins are thine; *
      thou hast covered me in my mother's womb.
13    I will give thanks unto thee, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made: *
      marvellous are thy works, and that my soul knoweth right well.
14    My bones are not hid from thee, *
      though I be made secretly, and fashioned beneath in the earth.
15    Thine eyes did see my substance, yet being imperfect; *
      and in thy book were all my members written; Which day by day were fashioned, *
16    How dear are thy counsels unto me, O God; *
      O how great is the sum of them!
17    If I tell them, they are more in number than the sand: *
      when I wake up, I am present with thee.
18    Wilt thou not slay the wicked, O God? *
      Depart from me, ye blood-thirsty men.
19    For they speak unrighteously against thee; *
      and thine enemies take thy Name in vain.
20    Do not I hate them, O LORD, that hate thee? *
      and am not I grieved with those that rise up against thee?
21    Yea, I hate them right sore; *
      even as though they were mine enemies.
22    Try me, O God, and seek the ground of my heart; *
      prove me, and examine my thoughts.
23    Look well if there be any way of wickedness in me; *
      and lead me in the way everlasting.

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.

If I climb up into heaven thou art there; if I go down to hell thou art there also.

Psalm 140 Eripe me, Domine

Deliver me, O LORD, from the evil man and preserve me from the wicked man.

  DELIVER me, O LORD, from the evil man; *
      and preserve me from the wicked man;
   Who imagine mischief in their hearts, *
      and stir up strife all the day long.
   They have sharpened their tongues like a serpent; *
      adder's poison is under their lips.
   Keep me, O LORD, from the hands of the ungodly; *
      preserve me from the wicked men, who are purposed to overthrow my goings.
   The proud have laid a snare for me, and spread a net abroad with cords; *
      yea, and set traps in my way.
   I said unto the LORD, Thou art my God, *
      hear the voice of my prayers, O LORD.
   O LORD God, thou strength of my health; *
      thou hast covered my head in the day of battle.
   Let not the ungodly have his desire, O LORD; *
      let not his mischievous imagination prosper, lest they be too proud.
   Let the mischief of their own lips fall upon the head of them *
      that compass me about.
10    Let hot burning coals fall upon them; *
      let them be cast into the fire, and into the pit, that they never rise up again.
11    A man full of words shall not prosper upon the earth: *
      evil shall hunt the wicked person to overthrow him.
12    Sure I am that the LORD will avenge the poor, *
      and maintain the cause of the helpless.
13    The righteous also shall give thanks unto thy Name; *
      and the just shall continue in thy sight.

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.

Deliver me, O LORD, from the evil man and preserve me from the wicked man.

Psalm 139 Domine, probasti

If I climb up into heaven thou art there; if I go down to hell thou art there also.

If I climb up to heaven, you are there; if I make the grave my bed, you are there also.

  LORD, you have searched me out and known me; *
      you know my sitting down and my rising up; you discern my thoughts from afar.
  You trace my journeys and my resting-places *
      and are acquainted with all my ways.
  Indeed, there is not a word on my lips, *
      but you, O LORD, know it altogether.
  You press upon me behind and before *
      and lay your hand upon me.
  Such knowledge is too wonderful for me; *
      it is so high that I cannot attain to it.
  Where can I go then from your Spirit? *
      where can I flee from your presence?
  If I climb up to heaven, you are there; *
      if I make the grave my bed, you are there also.
  If I take the wings of the morning *
      and dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea,
  Even there your hand will lead me *
      and your right hand hold me fast.
10   If I say, "Surely the darkness will cover me, *
      and the light around me turn to night, "
11   Darkness is not dark to you; the night is as bright as the day; *
      darkness and light to you are both alike.
12   For you yourself created my inmost parts; *
      you knit me together in my mother's womb.
13   I will thank you because I am marvelously made; *
      your works are wonderful, and I know it well.
14   My body was not hidden from you, *
      while I was being made in secret and woven in the depths of the earth.
15   Your eyes beheld my limbs, yet unfinished in the womb; all of them were written in your book; *
      they were fashioned day by day, when as yet there was none of them.
16   How deep I find your thoughts, O God! *
      how great is the sum of them!
17   If I were to count them, they would be more in number than the sand; *
      to count them all, my life span would need to be like yours.
18   Oh, that you would slay the wicked, O God! *
      You that thirst for blood, depart from me.
19   They speak despitefully against you; *
      your enemies take your Name in vain.
20   Do I not hate those, O LORD, who hate you? *
      and do I not loathe those who rise up against you?
21   I hate them with a perfect hatred; *
      they have become my own enemies.
22   Search me out, O God, and know my heart; *
      try me and know my restless thoughts.
23   Look well whether there be any wickedness in me *
      and lead me in the way that is everlasting.

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.

Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit:*
     As it was in the beginning, is now, and will be for ever. Amen.

If I climb up into heaven thou art there; if I go down to hell thou art there also.

If I climb up to heaven, you are there; if I make the grave my bed, you are there also.

Psalm 140 Eripe me, Domine

Deliver me, O LORD, from the evil man and preserve me from the wicked man.

Deliver me, O LORD, from evildoers; protect me from the violent.

  Deliver me, O LORD, from evildoers; *
      protect me from the violent,
  Who devise evil in their hearts *
      and stir up strife all day long.
  They have sharpened their tongues like a serpent; *
      adder's poison is under their lips.
  Keep me, O LORD, from the hands of the wicked; *
      protect me from the violent, who are determined to trip me up.
  The proud have hidden a snare for me and stretched out a net of cords; *
      they have set traps for me along the path.
  I have said to the LORD, "You are my God; *
      listen, O LORD, to my supplication.
  O Lord GOD, the strength of my salvation, *
      you have covered my head in the day of battle.
  Do not grant the desires of the wicked, O LORD, *
      nor let their evil plans prosper.
  Let not those who surround me lift up their heads; *
      let the evil of their lips overwhelm them.
10   Let hot burning coals fall upon them; *
      let them be cast into the mire, never to rise up again."
11   A slanderer shall not be established on the earth, *
      and evil shall hunt down the lawless.
12   I know that the LORD will maintain the cause of the poor *
      and render justice to the needy.
13   Surely, the righteous will give thanks to your Name, *
      and the upright shall continue in your sight.

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.

Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit:*
     As it was in the beginning, is now, and will be for ever. Amen.

Deliver me, O LORD, from the evil man and preserve me from the wicked man.

Deliver me, O LORD, from evildoers; protect me from the violent.

Psalm 20 Exaudiat te Dominus

But we will remember the Name of the LORD our God.

  THE LORD hear thee in the day of trouble; *
      the Name of the God of Jacob defend thee:
   Send thee help from the sanctuary, *
      and strengthen thee out of Sion:
   Remember all thy offerings, *
      and accept thy burnt-sacrifice:
   Grant thee thy heart's desire, *
      and fulfil all thy mind.
   We will rejoice in thy salvation, and triumph in the Name of the Lord our God: *
      the LORD perform all thy petitions.
   Now know I that the LORD helpeth his anointed, and will hear him from his holy heaven, *
      even with the wholesome strength of his right hand.
   Some put their trust in chariots, and some in horses; *
      but we will remember the Name of the LORD our God.
   They are brought down and fallen; *
      but we are risen and stand upright.
   Save, LORD; and hear us, O King of heaven, *
      when we call upon thee.

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.

But we will remember the Name of the LORD our God.

Psalm 21 Domine, in virtute tua

Be thou exalted LORD in thine own strength; so we will sing and praise thy power.

  THE King shall rejoice in thy strength, O LORD; *
      exceeding glad shall he be of thy salvation.
   Thou hast given him his heart's desire, *
      and hast not denied him the request of his lips.
   For thou shalt meet him with the blessings of goodness, *
      and shalt set a crown of pure gold upon his head.
   He asked life of thee; and thou gavest him a long life, *
      even for ever and ever.
   His honour is great in thy salvation; *
      glory and great worship shalt thou lay upon him.
   For thou shalt give him everlasting felicity, *
      and make him glad with the joy of thy countenance.
   And why? because the King putteth his trust in the LORD; *
      and in the mercy of the Most Highest he shall not miscarry.
   All thine enemies shall feel thine hand; *
      thy right hand shall find out them that hate thee.
   Thou shalt make them like a fiery oven in time of thy wrath: *
      the LORD shall destroy them in his displeasure, and the fire shall consume them.
10    Their fruit shalt thou root out of the earth, *
      and their seed from among the children of men.
11    For they intended mischief against thee, *
      and imagined such a device as they are not able to perform.
12    Therefore shalt thou put them to flight, *
      and the strings of thy bow shalt thou make ready against the face of them.
13    Be thou exalted, LORD, in thine own strength; *
      so will we sing, and praise thy power.

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.

Be thou exalted LORD in thine own strength; so we will sing and praise thy power.

Psalm 20 Exaudiat te Dominus

But we will call upon the Name of the LORD our God.

  May the LORD answer you in the day of trouble, *
      the Name of the God of Jacob defend you;
  Send you help from his holy place *
      and strengthen you out of Zion;
  Remember all your offerings *
      and accept your burnt sacrifice;
  Grant you your heart's desire *
      and prosper all your plans.
  We will shout for joy at your victory and triumph in the Name of our God; *
      may the LORD grant all your requests.
  Now I know that the LORD gives victory to his anointed; *
      he will answer him out of his holy heaven, with the victorious strength of his right hand.
  Some put their trust in chariots and some in horses, *
      but we will call upon the Name of the LORD our God.
  They collapse and fall down, *
      but we will arise and stand upright.
  O LORD, give victory to the king *
      and answer us when we call.

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.

Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit:*
     As it was in the beginning, is now, and will be for ever. Amen.

But we will call upon the Name of the LORD our God.

Psalm 21 Domine, in virtute tua

Be exalted, O LORD, in your might; we will sing and praise your power.

  The king rejoices in your strength, O LORD; *
      how greatly he exults in your victory!
  You have given him his heart's desire; *
      you have not denied him the request of his lips.
  For you meet him with blessings of prosperity, *
      and set a crown of fine gold upon his head.
  He asked you for life, and you gave it to him: *
      length of days, for ever and ever.
  His honor is great, because of your victory; *
      splendor and majesty have you bestowed upon him.
  For you will give him everlasting felicity *
      and will make him glad with the joy of your presence.
  For the king puts his trust in the LORD; *
      because of the loving-kindness of the Most High, he will not fall.
  Your hand will lay hold upon all your enemies; *
      your right hand will seize all those who hate you.
  You will make them like a fiery furnace *
      at the time of your appearing, O LORD;
10   You will swallow them up in your wrath, *
      and fire shall consume them.
11   You will destroy their offspring from the land *
      and their descendants from among the peoples of the earth.
12   Though they intend evil against you and devise wicked schemes, *
      yet they shall not prevail.
13   For you will put them to flight *
      and aim your arrows at them.
14   Be exalted, O LORD, in your might; *
      we will sing and praise your power.

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.

Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit:*
     As it was in the beginning, is now, and will be for ever. Amen.

Be exalted, O LORD, in your might; we will sing and praise your power.

The Lessons

A Reading from Job 9:1-1, 10:1-22


Then Job answered and said, My soul is weary of my life; I will leave my complaint upon myself; I will speak in the bitterness of my soul. I will say unto God, Do not condemn me; shew me wherefore thou contendest with me. Is it good unto thee that thou shouldest oppress, that thou shouldest despise the work of thine hands, and shine upon the counsel of the wicked? Hast thou eyes of flesh? or seest thou as man seeth? Are thy days as the days of man? are thy years as man's days, That thou enquirest after mine iniquity, and searchest after my sin? Thou knowest that I am not wicked; and there is none that can deliver out of thine hand. Thine hands have made me and fashioned me together round about; yet thou dost destroy me. Remember, I beseech thee, that thou hast made me as the clay; and wilt thou bring me into dust again? Hast thou not poured me out as milk, and curdled me like cheese? Thou hast clothed me with skin and flesh, and hast fenced me with bones and sinews. Thou hast granted me life and favour, and thy visitation hath preserved my spirit. And these things hast thou hid in thine heart: I know that this is with thee. If I sin, then thou markest me, and thou wilt not acquit me from mine iniquity. If I be wicked, woe unto me; and if I be righteous, yet will I not lift up my head. I am full of confusion; therefore see thou mine affliction; For it increaseth. Thou huntest me as a fierce lion: and again thou shewest thyself marvellous upon me. Thou renewest thy witnesses against me, and increasest thine indignation upon me; changes and war are against me. Wherefore then hast thou brought me forth out of the womb? Oh that I had given up the ghost, and no eye had seen me! I should have been as though I had not been; I should have been carried from the womb to the grave. Are not my days few? cease then, and let me alone, that I may take comfort a little, Before I go whence I shall not return, even to the land of darkness and the shadow of death; A land of darkness, as darkness itself; and of the shadow of death, without any order, and where the light is as darkness.

Then Job answered: "I loathe my life; I will give free utterance to my complaint; I will speak in the bitterness of my soul. I will say to God, Do not condemn me; let me know why thou dost contend against me. Does it seem good to thee to oppress, to despise the work of thy hands and favor the designs of the wicked? Hast thou eyes of flesh? Dost thou see as man sees? Are thy days as the days of man, or thy years as man's years, that thou dost seek out my iniquity and search for my sin, although thou knowest that I am not guilty, and there is none to deliver out of thy hand? Thy hands fashioned and made me; and now thou dost turn about and destroy me. Remember that thou hast made me of clay; and wilt thou turn me to dust again? Didst thou not pour me out like milk and curdle me like cheese? Thou didst clothe me with skin and flesh, and knit me together with bones and sinews. Thou hast granted me life and steadfast love; and thy care has preserved my spirit. Yet these things thou didst hide in thy heart; I know that this was thy purpose. If I sin, thou dost mark me, and dost not acquit me of my iniquity. If I am wicked, woe to me! If I am righteous, I cannot lift up my head, for I am filled with disgrace and look upon my affliction. And if I lift myself up, thou dost hunt me like a lion, and again work wonders against me; thou dost renew thy witnesses against me, and increase thy vexation toward me; thou dost bring fresh hosts against me. "Why didst thou bring me forth from the womb? Would that I had died before any eye had seen me, and were as though I had not been, carried from the womb to the grave. Are not the days of my life few? Let me alone, that I may find a little comfort before I go whence I shall not return, to the land of gloom and deep darkness, the land of gloom and chaos, where light is as darkness."

Then Job answered: "I loathe my life; I will give free utterance to my complaint; I will speak in the bitterness of my soul. I will say to God, Do not condemn me; let me know why you contend against me. Does it seem good to you to oppress, to despise the work of your hands and favor the schemes of the wicked? Do you have eyes of flesh? Do you see as humans see? Are your days like the days of mortals, or your years like human years, that you seek out my iniquity and search for my sin, although you know that I am not guilty, and there is no one to deliver out of your hand? Your hands fashioned and made me; and now you turn and destroy me. Remember that you fashioned me like clay; and will you turn me to dust again? Did you not pour me out like milk and curdle me like cheese? You clothed me with skin and flesh, and knit me together with bones and sinews. You have granted me life and steadfast love, and your care has preserved my spirit. Yet these things you hid in your heart; I know that this was your purpose. If I sin, you watch me, and do not acquit me of my iniquity. If I am wicked, woe to me! If I am righteous, I cannot lift up my head, for I am filled with disgrace and look upon my affliction. Bold as a lion you hunt me; you repeat your exploits against me. You renew your witnesses against me, and increase your vexation toward me; you bring fresh troops against me. "Why did you bring me forth from the womb? Would that I had died before any eye had seen me, and were as though I had not been, carried from the womb to the grave. Are not the days of my life few? Let me alone, that I may find a little comfort before I go, never to return, to the land of gloom and deep darkness, the land of gloom and chaos, where light is like darkness."

Here ends the Reading.


A Song of Creation Benedicite, omnia opera Domini
Song of the Three Young Men, 35-65

I Invocation

O all ye works of the Lord, bless ye the Lord; *
praise him and magnify him for ever.
O ye angels of the Lord, bless ye the Lord; *
praise him and magnify him for ever.

II The Cosmic Order

O ye heavens, bless ye the Lord; *
O ye waters that be above the firmament, bless ye the Lord;
O all ye powers of the Lord, bless ye the Lord; *
praise him and magnify him for ever.

O ye sun and moon, bless ye the Lord; *
O ye stars of heaven, bless ye the Lord;
O ye showers and dew, bless ye the Lord; *
praise him and magnify him for ever.

O ye winds of God, bless ye the Lord; *
O ye fire and heat, bless ye the Lord;
O ye winter and summer, bless ye the Lord; *
praise him and magnify him for ever.

O ye dews and frosts, bless ye the Lord; *
O ye frost and cold, bless ye the Lord;
O ye ice and snow, bless ye the Lord; *
praise him and magnify him for ever.

O ye nights and days, bless ye the Lord; *
O ye light and darkness, bless ye the Lord;
O ye lightnings and clouds, bless ye the Lord; *
praise him and magnify him for ever.

III The Earth and its Creatures

O let the earth bless the Lord; *
O ye mountains and hills, bless ye the Lord;
O all ye green things upon the earth, bless ye the Lord; *
praise him and magnify him for ever.

O ye wells, bless ye the Lord; *
O ye seas and floods, bless ye the Lord;
O ye whales and all that move in the waters, bless ye the Lord;
praise him and magnify him for ever.

O all ye fowls of the air, bless ye the Lord; *
O all ye beasts and cattle, bless ye the Lord;
O ye children of men, bless ye the Lord; *
praise him and magnify him for ever.

IV The People of God

O ye people of God, bless ye the Lord; *
O ye priests of the Lord, bless ye the Lord;
O ye servants of the Lord, bless ye the Lord; *
praise him and magnify him for ever.

O ye spirits and souls of the righteous, bless ye the Lord; *
O ye holy and humble men of heart, bless ye the Lord.
Let us bless the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit; *
praise him and magnify him for ever.

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.

A Song of Creation Benedicite, omnia opera Domini
Song of the Three Young Men, 35-65

Invocation

Glorify the Lord, all you works of the Lord, *
praise him and highly exalt him for ever.
In the firmament of his power, glorify the Lord, *
praise him and highly exalt him for ever.

I The Cosmic Order

Glorify the Lord, you angels and all powers of the Lord, *
O heavens and all waters above the heavens.
Sun and moon and stars of the sky, glorify the Lord, *
praise him and highly exalt him for ever.

Glorify the Lord, every shower of rain and fall of dew, *
all winds and fire and heat.
Winter and Summer, glorify the Lord, *
praise him and highly exalt him for ever.

Glorify the Lord, O chill and cold, *
drops of dew and flakes of snow.
Frost and cold, ice and sleet, glorify the Lord, *
praise him and highly exalt him for ever.

Glorify the Lord, O nights and days, *
O shining light and enfolding dark.
Storm clouds and thunderbolts,
glorify the Lord, *
praise him and highly exalt him for ever.

II The Earth and its Creatures

Let the earth glorify the Lord, *
praise him and highly exalt him for ever.
Glorify the Lord, O mountains and hills,
and all that grows upon the earth, *
praise him and highly exalt him for ever.

Glorify the Lord, O springs of water, seas, and streams, *
O whales and all that move in the waters.
All birds of the air, glorify the Lord, *
praise him and highly exalt him for ever.

Glorify the Lord, O beasts of the wild, *
and all you flocks and herds.
O men and women everywhere, glorify the Lord, *
praise him and highly exalt him for ever.

III The People of God

Let the people of God glorify the Lord, *
praise him and highly exalt him for ever.
Glorify the Lord, O priests and servants of the Lord, *
praise him and highly exalt him for ever.

Glorify the Lord, O spirits and souls of the righteous, *
praise him and highly exalt him for ever.
You that are holy and humble of heart, glorify the Lord, *
praise him and highly exalt him for ever.

Doxology

Let us glorify the Lord: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit; *
praise him and highly exalt him for ever.
In the firmament of his power, glorify the Lord, *
praise him and highly exalt him for ever.

Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit:*
     As it was in the beginning, is now, and will be for ever. Amen.

A Song of Creation Benedicite, omnia opera Domini
Song of the Three Young Men, 35-65

I Invocation

O all ye works of the Lord, bless ye the Lord; *
praise him and magnify him for ever.
O ye angels of the Lord, bless ye the Lord; *
praise him and magnify him for ever.

II The Cosmic Order

O ye heavens, bless ye the Lord; *
O ye waters that be above the firmament, bless ye the Lord;
O all ye powers of the Lord, bless ye the Lord; *
praise him and magnify him for ever.

O ye sun and moon, bless ye the Lord; *
O ye stars of heaven, bless ye the Lord;
O ye showers and dew, bless ye the Lord; *
praise him and magnify him for ever.

O ye winds of God, bless ye the Lord; *
O ye fire and heat, bless ye the Lord;
O ye winter and summer, bless ye the Lord; *
praise him and magnify him for ever.

O ye dews and frosts, bless ye the Lord; *
O ye frost and cold, bless ye the Lord;
O ye ice and snow, bless ye the Lord; *
praise him and magnify him for ever.

O ye nights and days, bless ye the Lord; *
O ye light and darkness, bless ye the Lord;
O ye lightnings and clouds, bless ye the Lord; *
praise him and magnify him for ever.

III The Earth and its Creatures

O let the earth bless the Lord; *
O ye mountains and hills, bless ye the Lord;
O all ye green things upon the earth, bless ye the Lord; *
praise him and magnify him for ever.

O ye wells, bless ye the Lord; *
O ye seas and floods, bless ye the Lord;
O ye whales and all that move in the waters, bless ye the Lord;
praise him and magnify him for ever.

O all ye fowls of the air, bless ye the Lord; *
O all ye beasts and cattle, bless ye the Lord;
O ye children of men, bless ye the Lord; *
praise him and magnify him for ever.

IV The People of God

O ye people of God, bless ye the Lord; *
O ye priests of the Lord, bless ye the Lord;
O ye servants of the Lord, bless ye the Lord; *
praise him and magnify him for ever.

O ye spirits and souls of the righteous, bless ye the Lord; *
O ye holy and humble men of heart, bless ye the Lord.
Let us bless the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit; *
praise him and magnify him for ever.

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.

A Song of Creation Benedicite, omnia opera Domini
Song of the Three Young Men, 35-65

Invocation

Glorify the Lord, all you works of the Lord, *
praise him and highly exalt him for ever.
In the firmament of his power, glorify the Lord, *
praise him and highly exalt him for ever.

I The Cosmic Order

Glorify the Lord, you angels and all powers of the Lord, *
O heavens and all waters above the heavens.
Sun and moon and stars of the sky, glorify the Lord, *
praise him and highly exalt him for ever.

Glorify the Lord, every shower of rain and fall of dew, *
all winds and fire and heat.
Winter and Summer, glorify the Lord, *
praise him and highly exalt him for ever.

Glorify the Lord, O chill and cold, *
drops of dew and flakes of snow.
Frost and cold, ice and sleet, glorify the Lord, *
praise him and highly exalt him for ever.

Glorify the Lord, O nights and days, *
O shining light and enfolding dark.
Storm clouds and thunderbolts,
glorify the Lord, *
praise him and highly exalt him for ever.

II The Earth and its Creatures

Let the earth glorify the Lord, *
praise him and highly exalt him for ever.
Glorify the Lord, O mountains and hills,
and all that grows upon the earth, *
praise him and highly exalt him for ever.

Glorify the Lord, O springs of water, seas, and streams, *
O whales and all that move in the waters.
All birds of the air, glorify the Lord, *
praise him and highly exalt him for ever.

Glorify the Lord, O beasts of the wild, *
and all you flocks and herds.
O men and women everywhere, glorify the Lord, *
praise him and highly exalt him for ever.

III The People of God

Let the people of God glorify the Lord, *
praise him and highly exalt him for ever.
Glorify the Lord, O priests and servants of the Lord, *
praise him and highly exalt him for ever.

Glorify the Lord, O spirits and souls of the righteous, *
praise him and highly exalt him for ever.
You that are holy and humble of heart, glorify the Lord, *
praise him and highly exalt him for ever.

Doxology

Let us glorify the Lord: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit; *
praise him and highly exalt him for ever.
In the firmament of his power, glorify the Lord, *
praise him and highly exalt him for ever.

Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit:*
     As it was in the beginning, is now, and will be for ever. Amen.


A Reading from Acts 11:1-18

And the apostles and brethren that were in Judaea heard that the Gentiles had also received the word of God. And when Peter was come up to Jerusalem, they that were of the circumcision contended with him, Saying, Thou wentest in to men uncircumcised, and didst eat with them. But Peter rehearsed the matter from the beginning, and expounded it by order unto them, saying, I was in the city of Joppa praying: and in a trance I saw a vision, A certain vessel descend, as it had been a great sheet, let down from heaven by four corners; and it came even to me: Upon the which when I had fastened mine eyes, I considered, and saw fourfooted beasts of the earth, and wild beasts, and creeping things, and fowls of the air. And I heard a voice saying unto me, Arise, Peter; slay and eat. But I said, Not so, Lord: for nothing common or unclean hath at any time entered into my mouth. But the voice answered me again from heaven, What God hath cleansed, that call not thou common. And this was done three times: and all were drawn up again into heaven. And, behold, immediately there were three men already come unto the house where I was, sent from Caesarea unto me. And the Spirit bade me go with them, nothing doubting. Moreover these six brethren accompanied me, and we entered into the man's house: And he shewed us how he had seen an angel in his house, which stood and said unto him, Send men to Joppa, and call for Simon, whose surname is Peter; Who shall tell thee words, whereby thou and all thy house shall be saved. And as I began to speak, the Holy Ghost fell on them, as on us at the beginning. Then remembered I the word of the Lord, how that he said, John indeed baptized with water; but ye shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost. Forasmuch then as God gave them the like gift as he did unto us, who believed on the Lord Jesus Christ; what was I, that I could withstand God? When they heard these things, they held their peace, and glorified God, saying, Then hath God also to the Gentiles granted repentance unto life.

Now the apostles and the brethren who were in Judea heard that the Gentiles also had received the word of God. So when Peter went up to Jerusalem, the circumcision party criticized him, saying, "Why did you go to uncircumcised men and eat with them?" But Peter began and explained to them in order: "I was in the city of Joppa praying; and in a trance I saw a vision, something descending, like a great sheet, let down from heaven by four corners; and it came down to me. Looking at it closely I observed animals and beasts of prey and reptiles and birds of the air. And I heard a voice saying to me, `Rise, Peter; kill and eat.' But I said, `No, Lord; for nothing common or unclean has ever entered my mouth.' But the voice answered a second time from heaven, `What God has cleansed you must not call common.' This happened three times, and all was drawn up again into heaven. At that very moment three men arrived at the house in which we were, sent to me from Caesare'a. And the Spirit told me to go with them, making no distinction. These six brethren also accompanied me, and we entered the man's house. And he told us how he had seen the angel standing in his house and saying, `Send to Joppa and bring Simon called Peter; he will declare to you a message by which you will be saved, you and all your household.' As I began to speak, the Holy Spirit fell on them just as on us at the beginning. And I remembered the word of the Lord, how he said, `John baptized with water, but you shall be baptized with the Holy Spirit.' If then God gave the same gift to them as he gave to us when we believed in the Lord Jesus Christ, who was I that I could withstand God?" When they heard this they were silenced. And they glorified God, saying, "Then to the Gentiles also God has granted repentance unto life."

Now the apostles and the believers who were in Judea heard that the Gentiles had also accepted the word of God. So when Peter went up to Jerusalem, the circumcised believers criticized him, saying, "Why did you go to uncircumcised men and eat with them?" Then Peter began to explain it to them, step by step, saying, "I was in the city of Joppa praying, and in a trance I saw a vision. There was something like a large sheet coming down from heaven, being lowered by its four corners; and it came close to me. As I looked at it closely I saw four-footed animals, beasts of prey, reptiles, and birds of the air. I also heard a voice saying to me, 'Get up, Peter; kill and eat.' But I replied, 'By no means, Lord; for nothing profane or unclean has ever entered my mouth.' But a second time the voice answered from heaven, 'What God has made clean, you must not call profane.' This happened three times; then everything was pulled up again to heaven. At that very moment three men, sent to me from Caesarea, arrived at the house where we were. The Spirit told me to go with them and not to make a distinction between them and us. These six brothers also accompanied me, and we entered the man's house. He told us how he had seen the angel standing in his house and saying, 'Send to Joppa and bring Simon, who is called Peter; he will give you a message by which you and your entire household will be saved.' And as I began to speak, the Holy Spirit fell upon them just as it had upon us at the beginning. And I remembered the word of the Lord, how he had said, 'John baptized with water, but you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit.' If then God gave them the same gift that he gave us when we believed in the Lord Jesus Christ, who was I that I could hinder God?" When they heard this, they were silenced. And they praised God, saying, "Then God has given even to the Gentiles the repentance that leads to life."

Here ends the Reading.

Many people will come from east and west, others from the north and south and they will eat with Abraham, Isaac and Jacob in the kingdom of God.

The Song of the Redeemed Magna et mirabilia
Revelation 15:3-4

Great and marvellous are thy works, *
Lord God Almighty!
Just and true are thy ways, *
Thou King of saints.

Who shall not fear thee, O Lord, and glorify thy Name? *
For thou only art holy
For all nations shall come and worship before thee; *
for thy judgments are made manifest.

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.

Many people will come from east and west, others from the north and south and they will eat with Abraham, Isaac and Jacob in the kingdom of God.

Many people will come from east and west, others from the north and south and they will eat with Abraham, Isaac and Jacob in the kingdom of God.

The Song of the Redeemed Magna et mirabilia
Revelation 15:3-4

O ruler of the universe, Lord God,
great deeds are they that you have done, *
surpassing human understanding.
Your ways are ways of righteousness and truth, *
O King of all the ages.

Who can fail to do you homage, Lord,
and sing the praises of your Name? *
for you only are the Holy One.
All nations will draw near and fall down before you, *
because your just and holy works have been revealed.

Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit:*
     As it was in the beginning, is now, and will be for ever. Amen.

Many people will come from east and west, others from the north and south and they will eat with Abraham, Isaac and Jacob in the kingdom of God.

Many people will come from east and west, others from the north and south and they will eat with Abraham, Isaac and Jacob in the kingdom of God.

The Song of Zechariah Benedictus Dominus Deus
Luke 1:68-79

Blessed be the Lord God of Israel, *
for he hath visited and redeemed his people;
And hath raised up a mighty salvation for us *
in the house of his servant David,
As he spake by the mouth of his holy prophets, *
which have been since the world began:
That we should be saved from our enemies, *
and from the hand of all that hate us;
To perform the mercy promised to our forefathers, *
and to remember his holy covenant;
To perform the oath which he sware to our forefather Abraham, *
that he would give us,
That we being delivered out of the hand of our enemies *
might serve him without fear,
In holiness and righteousness before him, *
all the days of our life.

And thou, child, shalt be called the prophet of the Highest, *
for thou shalt go before the face of the Lord
to prepare his ways;
To give knowledge of salvation unto his people *
for the remission of their sins,
Through the tender mercy of our God, *
whereby the dayspring from on high hath visited us;
To give light to them that sit in darkness
and in the shadow of death, *
and to guide our feet into the way of peace.

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.

Many people will come from east and west, others from the north and south and they will eat with Abraham, Isaac and Jacob in the kingdom of God.

Many people will come from east and west, others from the north and south and they will eat with Abraham, Isaac and Jacob in the kingdom of God.

The Song of Zechariah Benedictus Dominus Deus
Luke 1: 68-79

Blessed be the Lord, the God of Israel; *
he has come to his people and set them free.
He has raised up for us a mighty savior, *
born of the house of his servant David.
Through his holy prophets he promised of old,
that he would save us from our enemies, *
from the hands of all who hate us.
He promised to show mercy to our fathers *
and to remember his holy covenant.
This was the oath he swore to our father Abraham, *
to set us free from the hands of our enemies,
Free to worship him without fear, *
holy and righteous in his sight
all the days of our life.

You, my child, shall be called the prophet of the Most High, *
for you will go before the Lord to prepare his way,
To give his people knowledge of salvation *
by the forgiveness of their sins.
In the tender compassion of our God *
the dawn from on high shall break upon us,
To shine on those who dwell in darkness and the
shadow of death, *
and to guide our feet into the way of peace.

Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit:*
     As it was in the beginning, is now, and will be for ever. Amen.

Many people will come from east and west, others from the north and south and they will eat with Abraham, Isaac and Jacob in the kingdom of God.

The Apostles' Creed

I believe in God, the Father almighty,
    creator of heaven and earth.
I believe in Jesus Christ, his only son, our Lord.
    He was conceived by the power of the Holy Spirit
       and born of the Virgin Mary.
    He suffered under Pontius Pilate,
       was crucified, died, and was buried.
    He descended to the dead.
    On the third day he rose again.
    He ascended into heaven,
       and is seated at the right hand of the Father.
    He will come again to judge the living and the dead.
I believe in the Holy Spirit,
    the holy catholic Church,
    the communion of saints,
    the forgiveness of sins,
    the resurrection of the body,
    and the life everlasting. Amen.

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.

The Prayers

V. The Lord be with you.
R. And also with you.And with thy spirit.
Let us pray.

Our Father, who art in heaven,
    hallowed be thy Name,
    thy kingdom come,
    thy will be done,
       on earth as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread.
And forgive us our trespasses,
    as we forgive those who trespass against us.
And lead us not into temptation,
    but deliver us from evil.
For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory,
    for ever and ever. Amen.

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.
Save us from the time of trial,
    and deliver us from evil.
For the kingdom, the power,
    and the glory are yours,
    now and for ever. Amen.


Suffrages A

V. Show us your mercy, O Lord;
R. And grant us your salvation.
V. Clothe your ministers with righteousness;
R. Let your people sing with joy.
V. Give peace, O Lord, in all the world;
R. For only in you can we live in safety.
V. Lord, keep this nation under your care;
R. And guide us in the way of justice and truth.
V. Let your way be known upon earth;
R. Your saving health among all nations.
V. Let not the needy, O Lord, be forgotten;
R. Nor the hope of the poor be taken away.
V. Create in us clean hearts, O God;
R. And sustain us with your Holy Spirit.

V. O Lord, show thy mercy upon us;
R. And grant us thy salvation.
V. Endue thy ministers with righteousness;
R. And make thy chosen people joyful.
V. Give peace, O Lord, in all the world;
R. For only in thee can we live in safety.
V. Lord, keep this nation under thy care;
R. And guide us in the way of justice and truth.
V. Let thy way be known upon earth;
R. Thy saving health among all nations.
V. Let not the needy, O Lord, be forgotten;
R. Nor the hope of the poor be taken away.
V. Create in us clean hearts, O God;
R. And sustain us with thy Holy Spirit.

Suffrages B

V. Save your people, Lord, and bless your inheritance;
R. Govern and uphold them, now and always.
V. Day by day we bless you;
R. We praise your name for ever.
V. Lord, keep us from all sin today;
R. Have mercy upon us, Lord, have mercy.
V. Lord, show us your love and mercy;
R. For we put our trust in you.
V. In you, Lord, is our hope;
R. And we shall never hope in vain.

V. O Lord, save thy people and bless thine heritage;
R. Govern them and lift them up for ever.
V. Day by day we magnify thee;
R. And we worship thy name ever, world without end.
V. Vouchsafe, O Lord, to keep us this day without sin;
R. O Lord, have mercy upon us, have mercy upon us.
V. O Lord, let thy mercy be upon us;
R. As our trust is in thee.
V. O Lord, in thee have I trusted;
R. Let me never be confounded.

Collect of the Day

Grant, we beseech thee, merciful God, that thy Church, being gathered together in unity by thy Holy Spirit, may manifest thy power among all peoples, to the glory of thy Name; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who liveth and reigneth with thee and the Holy Spirit, one God, world without end. Amen.

Grant, O merciful God, that your Church, being gathered together in unity by your Holy Spirit, may show forth your power among all peoples, to the glory of your Name; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

Commemoration of The Martyrdom of John the Baptist

He that hateth his life * in this world shall keep it unto life eternal.

V. The righteous shall flourish like a palm-tree.
R. And shall spread abroad like a cedar in Libanus.

Almighty God, by whose providence thy servant John the Baptist was wonderfully born, and sent to prepare the way of thy Son our Savior by preaching repentance: Make us so to follow his teaching and holy life, that we may truly repent according to his preaching; and, following his example, constantly speak the truth, boldly rebuke vice, and patiently suffer for the truth's sake; through Jesus Christ thy Son our Lord, who liveth and reigneth with thee and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

He who hates his life * in this world shall keep it unto life eternal.

V. The righteous shall flourish like a palm-tree.
R. And shall spread abroad like a cedar in Lebanon.

Almighty God, by whose providence thy servant John the Baptist was wonderfully born, and sent to prepare the way of thy Son our Savior by preaching repentance: Make us so to follow his teaching and holy life, that we may truly repent according to his preaching; and, following his example, constantly speak the truth, boldly rebuke vice, and patiently suffer for the truth's sake; through Jesus Christ thy Son our Lord, who liveth and reigneth with thee and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

Commemoration of The Beheading of Saint John the Baptist

He that hateth his life * in this world shall keep it unto life eternal.

V. The righteous shall flourish like a palm-tree.
R. And shall spread abroad like a cedar in Libanus.

Almighty God, who didst call thy servant John to be the forerunner of thy Son our Lord both in life and death; Grant, we beseech thee, that as we remember his faithfulness unto death, we may with boldness speak thy truth and with humility be ready to hear it; through Jesus Christ, the firstborn from the dead, who with Thee and the Holy Ghost, livest and reignest one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

He who hates his life * in this world shall keep it unto life eternal.

V. The righteous shall flourish like a palm-tree.
R. And shall spread abroad like a cedar in Lebanon.

Almighty God, who didst call thy servant John to be the forerunner of thy Son our Lord both in life and death; Grant, we beseech thee, that as we remember his faithfulness unto death, we may with boldness speak thy truth and with humility be ready to hear it; through Jesus Christ, the firstborn from the dead, who with Thee and the Holy Ghost, livest and reignest one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

A Collect for Saturdays

Almighty God, who after the creation of the world didst rest from all thy works and sanctify a day of rest for all thy creatures: Grant that we, putting away all earthly anxieties, may be duly prepared for the service of thy sanctuary, and that our rest here upon earth may be a preparation for the eternal rest promised to thy people in heaven; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Then, unless the Eucharist or a form of general intercession is to follow, one of these prayers for mission is added.

Prayer for Mission

Almighty and everlasting God, by whose Spirit the whole body of thy faithful people is governed and sanctified: Receive our supplications and prayers which we offer before thee for all members of thy holy Church, that in their vocation and ministry they may truly and godly serve thee; through our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Amen.

A Collect for Saturdays

Almighty God, who after the creation of the world rested from all your works and sanctified a day of rest for all your creatures: Grant that we, putting away all earthly anxieties, may be duly prepared for the service of your sanctuary, and that our rest here upon earth may be a preparation for the eternal rest promised to your people in heaven; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Then, unless the Eucharist or a form of general intercession is to follow, one of these prayers for mission is added.

Prayer for Mission

Almighty and everlasting God, by whose Spirit the whole body of your faithful people is governed and sanctified: Receive our supplications and prayers which we offer before you for all members of your holy Church, that in their vocation and ministry they may truly and devoutly serve you; through our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Amen.

Here may be sung a hymn or anthem. [+][-]

V. O satisfy us early with thy mercy.
R. That we may rejoice and be glad.

V. Satisfy us early with your mercy.
R. That we may rejoice and be glad.

Authorized intercessions and thanksgivings may follow.

For All Sorts and Conditions [A form of general intercession] [+][-]

O God, the creator and preserver of all mankind, we humbly beseech thee for all sorts and conditions of men; that thou wouldest be pleased to make thy ways known unto them, thy saving health unto all nations. More especially we pray for thy holy Church universal; that it may be so guided and governed by thy good Spirit, that all who profess and call themselves Christians may be led into the way of truth, and hold the faith in unity of spirit, in the bond of peace, and in righteousness of life. Finally, we commend to thy fatherly goodness all those who are in any ways afflicted or distressed, in mind, body, or estate; [especially those for whom our prayers are desired]; that it may please thee to comfort and relieve them according to their several necessities, giving them patience under their sufferings, and a happy issue out of all their afflictions. And this we beg for Jesus Christ's sake. Amen.

O God, the creator and preserver of all humanity, we humbly beseech you on behalf of all sorts and conditions of people; that you would be pleased to make your ways known to them, your saving health to all nations. Especially, we pray for your holy Church across the world; that it may be guided and governed by your good Spirit, so that all who profess and call themselves Christians may be led into the way of truth, and hold the faith in unity of spirit, in the bond of peace, and in righteousness of life. Finally, we commend to your fatherly goodness all those who are in any ways afflicted or distressed, in mind, body, or estate; [especially those for whom our prayers are desired]; that it may please you to comfort and relieve them according to their various needs, giving them patience under their sufferings, and a happy issue out of all their afflictions. And this we ask for Jesus Christ's sake. Amen.

The General Thanksgiving [+][-]

Almighty God, Father of all mercies,
we thine unworthy servants
do give thee most humble and hearty thanks
for all thy goodness and loving kindness
to us and to all men.
We bless thee for our creation, preservation,
and all the blessings of this life;
but above all for thine inestimable love
in the redemption of the world by our Lord Jesus Christ,
for the means of grace, and for the hope of glory.

And, we beseech thee,
give us that due sense of all thy mercies,
that our hearts may be unfeignedly thankful;
and that we show forth thy praise,
not only with our lips, but in our lives,
by giving up our selves to thy service,
and by walking before thee
in holiness and righteousness all our days;
through Jesus Christ our Lord,
to whom, with thee and the Holy Ghost,
be all honor and glory, world without end. Amen.

Almighty God, Father of all mercies,
we your unworthy servants give you humble thanks
for all your goodness and loving-kindness
to us and to all whom you have made.
We bless you for our creation, preservation,
and all the blessings of this life;
but above all for your immeasurable love
in the redemption of the world by our Lord Jesus Christ;
for the means of grace, and for the hope of glory.

And, we pray, give us such an awareness of your mercies,
that with truly thankful hearts we may show forth your praise,
not only with our lips, but in our lives,
by giving up our selves to your service,
and by walking before you
in holiness and righteousness all our days;
through Jesus Christ our Lord,
to whom, with you and the Holy Spirit,
be honor and glory throughout all ages. Amen.

A Prayer of St. Chrysostom [+][-]

Almighty God, who hast given us grace at this time with one accord to make our common supplication unto thee, and hast promised through thy well beloved Son that when two or three are gathered together in his Name thou wilt be in the midst of them: Fulfill now, O Lord, the desires and petitions of thy servants as may be best for us; granting us in this world knowledge of thy truth, and in the world to come life everlasting. Amen.

Almighty God, you have given us grace at this time with one accord to make our common supplication to you; and you have promised through your well-beloved Son that when two or three are gathered together in his Name you will be in the midst of them: Fulfill now, O Lord, our desires and petitions as may be best for us; granting us in this world knowledge of your truth, and in the age to come life everlasting. Amen.

Let us bless the Lord.
Thanks be to God.

May the souls of the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace.
Amen.

The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with us all evermore. Amen. 2 Corinthians 13:14

Post-Office Marian Antiphon [+][-]

Salve Regina

Hail holy Queen, Mother of mercy, our life, our sweetness,
and our hope.To thee do we cry, poor banished children of Eve.
To thee do we send up our sighs, mourning and weeping in this
valley of tears.Turn then, most gracious Advocate, thine eyes of
mercy toward us. And after this our exile show unto us
the blessed fruit of thy womb, Jesus.
O clement
O loving
O sweet Virgin Mary

V. Pray for us, O Holy Mother of God.
R.That we may be made worthy of the promises of Christ.

Let us pray:
Almighty, everlasting God, who by the cooperation of the Holy Spirit, didst prepare the body and soul of the glorious Virgin-Mother Mary to become a worthy dwelling for Thy Son; grant that we who rejoice in her commemoration may, by her loving intercession, be delivered from present evils and from the everlasting death. Amen.

V. May the divine help remain with us always.
R. And with our absent brothers and sisters. Amen.

Salve Regina

Mary, we hail you, Mother and Queen compassionate;
Mary, most humble, great and pure, we hail you.
To you we exiles, children of Eve lift our voices.
To you we sing praises, because by the Spirit, you brought
forth to us the Savior.
Turn now, therefore, O our intercessor, your eyes of pity and lovingkindness upon us sinners.
Then at the last, when our earthly journey has been ended, show us Jesus, the blessed fruit of your womb.
O gentle
O tender
O gracious Virgin Mary

V. Pray for us, O Holy Mother of God.
R.That we may be made worthy of the promises of Christ.

Let us pray:
Almighty and everlasting God, who by the overshadowing of the Holy Spirit, prepared the body and soul of the glorious Virgin Mary to become a habitation for your Son: Grant that, as we rejoice in her obedience, we may have the support of her loving intercession, and may be delivered from our present evils and eternal death; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

V. May the divine help remain with us always.
R. And with our absent brothers and sisters. Amen.

All Saints from the Hours of Anne de Bretagne (Paris, BN Latin 9474, f.209v)