Enter in silence. The sign of the holy cross may be made in remembrance of Holy Baptism.
Lutheran Vespers
Traditional evening office with canticles, readings, and collects for the close of day.
6:00-8:00 PM
Daily Office
Lutheran Vespers
Sign of the Holy Cross
In the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost. Amen.
Versicle
O Lord, open Thou my lips.
R: And my mouth shall show forth Thy praise.
Versicle
Make haste, O God, to deliver me.
R: Make haste to help me, O Lord.
Response
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.
Response
Hallelujah.
One or more appointed evening psalms are said or chanted. Each psalm may conclude with the Gloria Patri.
The appointed lesson is read. The daily lectionary readings are inserted here when available.
Versicle
But Thou, O Lord, have mercy upon us.
R: Thanks be to Thee, O Lord.
Magnificat
My soul doth magnify the Lord,
And my spirit hath rejoiced in God my Saviour.
For he hath regarded the low estate of his handmaiden: for, behold, from henceforth all generations shall call me blessed.
For he that is mighty hath done to me great things; and holy is his name.
And his mercy is on them that fear him from generation to generation.
He hath shewed strength with his arm; he hath scattered the proud in the imagination of their hearts.
He hath put down the mighty from their seats, and exalted them of low degree.
He hath filled the hungry with good things; and the rich he hath sent empty away.
He hath holpen his servant Israel, in remembrance of his mercy;
As he spake to our fathers, to Abraham, and to his seed for ever.
Nunc Dimittis
Lord, now lettest Thou Thy servant depart in peace, according to Thy word:
For mine eyes have seen Thy salvation,
Which Thou hast prepared before the face of all people;
A light to lighten the Gentiles, and the glory of Thy people Israel.
Response
Lord, have mercy upon us. Christ, have mercy upon us. Lord, have mercy upon us.
The Lord's Prayer
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.
Versicle
The Lord be with you.
R: And with thy spirit.
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 we, being defended from the fear of our enemies, may pass our time in rest and quietness; through Jesus Christ, Thy Son, our Lord. Amen.
Versicle
Bless we the Lord.
R: Thanks be to God.
Blessing
The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Ghost, be with you all. Amen.