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6.34pm on Friday 20 March 2026

Evening Prayer (Evensong) in Traditional Language

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    Evening Prayer from
    The Book of Common Prayer
    Saturday, 21 March 2026
Benedict, Abbot, c.550
  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 106

  
 

  
1
 O give thanks unto the Lord, for he is gracious *
 and his mercy endureth for ever.
  
 
  
2
 Who can express the noble acts of the Lord *
 or shew forth all his praise?
  
 
  
3
 Blessed are they that alway keep judgement *
 and do righteousness.
  
 
  
4
 Remember me, O Lord, according to the favour that thou bearest unto thy people *
 O visit me with thy salvation;
  
 
  
5
 That I may see the felicity of thy chosen *
 and rejoice in the gladness of thy people, and give thanks with thine inheritance.
  
 
  
6
 We have sinned with our fathers *
 we have done amiss, and dealt wickedly.
  
 
  
7
 Our fathers regarded not thy wonders in Egypt, neither kept they thy great goodness in remembrance *
 but were disobedient at the sea, even at the Red sea.
  
 
  
8
 Nevertheless, he helped them for his Name’s sake *
 that he might make his power to be known.
  
 
  
9
 He rebuked the Red sea also, and it was dried up *
 so he led them through the deep, as through a wilderness.
  
 
  
10
 And he saved them from the adversary’s hand *
 and delivered them from the hand of the enemy.
  
 
  
11
 As for those that troubled them, the waters overwhelmed them *
 there was not one of them left.
  
 
  
12
 Then believed they his words *
 and sang praise unto him.
  
 
  
13
 But within a while they forgat his works *
 and would not abide his counsel.
  
 
  
14
 But lust came upon them in the wilderness *
 and they tempted God in the desert.
  
 
  
15
 And he gave them their desire *
 and sent leanness withal into their soul.
  
 
  
16
 They angered Moses also in the tents *
 and Aaron the saint of the Lord.
  
 
  
17
 So the earth opened, and swallowed up Dathan *
 and covered the congregation of Abiram.
  
 
  
18
 And the fire was kindled in their company *
 the flame burnt up the ungodly.
  
 
  
19
 They made a calf in Horeb *
 and worshipped the molten image.
  
 
  
20
 Thus they turned their glory *
 into the similitude of a calf that eateth hay.
  
 
  
21
 And they forgat God their Saviour *
 who had done so great things in Egypt;
  
 
  
22
 Wondrous works in the land of Ham *
 and fearful things by the Red sea.
  
 
  
23
 So he said, he would have destroyed them, had not Moses his chosen stood before him in the gap *
 to turn away his wrathful indignation, lest he should destroy them.
  
 
  
24
 Yea, they thought scorn of that pleasant land *
 and gave no credence unto his word;
  
 
  
25
 But murmured in their tents *
 and hearkened not unto the voice of the Lord.
  
 
  
26
 Then lift he up his hand against them *
 to overthrow them in the wilderness;
  
 
  
27
 To cast out their seed among the nations *
 and to scatter them in the lands.
  
 
  
28
 They joined themselves unto Baalpeor *
 and ate the offerings of the dead.
  
 
  
29
 Thus they provoked him to anger with their own inventions *
 and the plague was great among them.
  
 
  
30
 Then stood up Phinees and prayed *
 and so the plague ceased.
  
 
  
31
 And that was counted unto him for righteousness *
 among all posterities for evermore.
  
 
  
32
 They angered him also at the waters of strife *
 so that he punished Moses for their sakes;
  
 
  
33
 Because they provoked his spirit *
 so that he spake unadvisedly with his lips.
  
 
  
34
 Neither destroyed they the heathen *
 as the Lord commanded them;
  
 
  
35
 But were mingled among the heathen *
 and learned their works.
  
 
  
36
 Insomuch that they worshipped their idols, which turned to their own decay *
 yea, they offered their sons and their daughters unto devils;
  
 
  
37
 And shed innocent blood, even the blood of their sons and of their daughters *
 whom they offered unto the idols of Canaan; and the land was defiled with blood.
  
 
  
38
 Thus were they stained with their own works *
 and went a whoring with their own inventions.
  
 
  
39
 Therefore was the wrath of the Lord kindled against his people *
 insomuch that he abhorred his own inheritance.
  
 
  
40
 And he gave them over into the hand of the heathen *
 and they that hated them were lords over them.
  
 
  
41
 Their enemies oppressed them *
 and had them in subjection.
  
 
  
42
 Many a time did he deliver them *
 but they rebelled against him with their own inventions, and were brought down in their wickedness.
  
 
  
43
 Nevertheless, when he saw their adversity *
 he heard their complaint.
  
 
  
44
 He thought upon his covenant, and pitied them, according unto the multitude of his mercies *
 yea, he made all those that led them away captive to pity them.
  
 
  
45
 Deliver us, O Lord our God, and gather us from among the heathen *
 that we may give thanks unto thy holy Name, and make our boast of thy praise.
  
 
  
46
 Blessed be the Lord God of Israel from everlasting, and world without end *
 and let all the people say, Amen.
  
 
     
    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: Jeremiah 20.7-end

O Lord, thou hast deceived me, and I was deceived; thou art stronger than I, and hast prevailed: I am in derision daily, every one mocketh me.
 For since I spake, I cried out, I cried violence and spoil; because the word of the Lord was made a reproach unto me, and a derision, daily.
 Then I said, I will not make mention of him, nor speak any more in his name. But his word was in mine heart as a burning fire shut up in my bones, and I was weary with forbearing, and I could not stay.
 For I heard the defaming of many, fear on every side. Report, say they, and we will report it. All my familiars watched for my halting, saying, Peradventure he will be enticed, and we shall prevail against him, and we shall take our revenge on him.
 But the Lord is with me as a mighty terrible one: therefore my persecutors shall stumble, and they shall not prevail: they shall be greatly ashamed; for they shall not prosper: their everlasting confusion shall never be forgotten.
 But, O Lord of hosts, that triest the righteous, and seest the reins and the heart, let me see thy vengeance on them: for unto thee have I opened my cause.
 Sing unto the Lord, praise ye the Lord: for he hath delivered the soul of the poor from the hand of evildoers.
 Cursed be the day wherein I was born: let not the day wherein my mother bare me be blessed.
 Cursed be the man who brought tidings to my father, saying, A man child is born unto thee; making him very glad.
 And let that man be as the cities which the Lord overthrew, and repented not: and let him hear the cry in the morning, and the shouting at noontide;
 Because he slew me not from the womb; or that my mother might have been my grave, and her womb to be always great with me.
 Wherefore came I forth out of the womb to see labour and sorrow, that my days should be consumed with shame?

       
  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: John 11.17-27

Then when Jesus came, he found that he had lain in the grave four days already.
 Now Bethany was nigh unto Jerusalem, about fifteen furlongs off:
 And many of the Jews came to Martha and Mary, to comfort them concerning their brother.
 Then Martha, as soon as she heard that Jesus was coming, went and met him: but Mary sat still in the house.
 Then said Martha unto Jesus, Lord, if thou hadst been here, my brother had not died.
 But I know, that even now, whatsoever thou wilt ask of God, God will give it thee.
 Jesus saith unto her, Thy brother shall rise again.
 Martha saith unto him, I know that he shall rise again in the resurrection at the last day.
 Jesus said unto her, I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live:
 And whosoever liveth and believeth in me shall never die. Believest thou this?
 She saith unto him, Yea, Lord: I believe that thou art the Christ, the Son of God, which should come into the world.

     
  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  
     
    We beseech thee, Almighty God, mercifully to look upon thy people; that by thy great goodness they may be governed and preserved evermore, both in body and soul; through Jesus Christ our Lord.

Almighty and everlasting God, who hatest nothing that thou hast made and dost forgive the sins of all them that are penitent; Create and make in us new and contrite hearts, that we, worthily lamenting our sins, and acknowledging our wretchedness, may obtain of thee, the God of all mercy, perfect remission and forgiveness; through Jesus Christ our Lord.
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.
     
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