Reformed Evangelical Synod of America

The following form for Evening Prayer is found in the 2010 Book of Common Prayer. It provides a brief way to conclude the day with prayer, repentance, and reflection.

INVOCATION

+ In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.
Amen.

RESPONSORY

Lord Jesus, you are the light of the world,
The light no darkness can overcome.

Stay with us, Lord, for it is evening.
The day which you have given is nearly complete.

Let your light scatter the darkness.
Let it shine in our hearts and lives. (Alleluia!)

OPENING PRAYER

The Collect of the Day may replace this prayer at any time.

Sunday:
Almighty God, we give you thanks for surrounding us, as daylight fades, with the brightness of the vesper light; and we implore you in your great mercy that, as you enfold us with the radiance of this light, so you would shine into our hearts the brightness of your Holy Spirit. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.

Monday:
Be our light in the darkness, O Lord, and in your great mercy defend us from all perils and dangers of this night; for the love of your only Son, our Savior Jesus Christ Amen.

Tuesday:
Keep watch, dear Lord, with those who work, or watch, or weep this night, and give your angels charge over those who sleep. Tend the sick, Lord Christ; give rest to the weary, bless the dying, soothe the suffering, pity the afflicted, shield the joyous; and all for your love’s sake. Amen.

Wednesday:
Be present, O merciful God, and protect us through the hours of this night, so that we who are wearied by the changes and chances of this life may rest in your eternal changelessness. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.

Thursday:
Lord Jesus, stay with us, for evening is at hand and the day is past. Be our companion on the way, kindle our hearts, and awaken hope, that we may know you as you are revealed in Scripture and in the breaking of the bread. Grant this for the sake of your love. Amen.

Friday:
O God, you are the life of all who live, the light of the faithful, the strength of those who labor, and the repose of all who have died. We thank you for the blessings of the day that is past, and humbly ask for your protection through the coming night. Bring us in safety to the morning hours through the mercy and love of the one who died for us and rose again, your Son, our Savior, Jesus Christ. Amen.

Saturday:
We give thanks, O God, for revealing your Son to us by the light of his resurrection. Grant that as we sing your glory at the close of this day, our joy may abound in the morning as we celebrate the Paschal mystery. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.

PSALM

SCRIPTURE READING

REFLECTION

[HYMN OR CANTICLE]

[CREED]

INTERCESSIONS AND PRAYERS

O Lord, hear my prayer.
Give ear, O Lord, to my plea.

Those gathered may offer their intercessory prayers and thanksgivings.

Our Father in heaven,
hallowed be your name.
Let your kingdom come.
Let your will be done
on earth as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread,
and forgive us our sins
as we forgive those who sin against us.
Save us from the time of trial,
and deliver us from the evil one.

Lord’s Prayer – Traditional Language Alternative:
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.

CONFESSION OF SIN

Let us humbly confess our sins unto Almighty God.

Those gathered reflect in silence for a time upon the sins they have committed, asking for God’s mercy.

Almighty God, heavenly Father,
I have sinned against you, through my own fault,
in my thoughts, words, and deeds,
and in what I have left undone.
For the sake of your Son forgive all of my sins,
and grant that I may serve you in newness of life,
to the honor and glory of your Name. Amen.

A presbyter may pronounce a suitable absolution.

CONCLUDING PRAYER

We thank you, heavenly Father, through Jesus Christ, your dear Son, for you have graciously kept us safe this day. In your mercy, forgive all of our sins, and graciously keep us throughout the coming night. Into your hands we commend ourselves: body and soul and all things. Let your holy angels be with us, that the wicked foe may have no power over us. Amen.

BENEDICTION

+ May the Lord bless us,
protect us from all evil,
and bring us to life everlasting. Amen.