An Evening Service of the Word

Preparation

Greeting

The light and peace of Jesus Christ be with you
and also with you.

The glory of the Lord has risen upon us.
Let us rejoice and sing God’s praise for ever.

Song(s) or a hymn may be sung.

Opening Prayer

Faithful one, whose word is life:
come with saving power to free our praise,
inspire our prayer and shape our lives
for the kingdom of your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord.
Amen.

(or)

O Lord, we call to you: come to us quickly.
Hear us when we cry to you.
Let our prayers rise up before you like incense.
Let our lifted hands be like an evening sacrifice.
Glory to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit;
as it was in the beginning is now and shall be for ever. Amen.

The Word

Psalm(s)

Reading(s)

This is the word of the Lord.
Thanks be to God.

Response to God’s Word

Reflection on the Readings

Confession and Forgiveness

Christ the light of the world has come to dispel
the darkness of our hearts.
In his light let us examine ourselves and confess our sins.

Silence may be kept.

Let us admit to God the sin which always confronts us.

Lord God,
we have sinned against you; we have done evil in your sight.
We are sorry and repent.
Have mercy on us according to your love.
Wash away our wrongdoing and cleanse us from our sin.
Renew a right spirit within us and restore us to the joy of your salvation, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

By faith we receive God’s forgiveness.

Praise

Blessed are you, Lord our God, King of the universe.
To you be glory and praise for ever.
From the rising of the sun to its setting
your name is proclaimed in all the world.
To you be glory and praise for ever.
When the time had fully come
you sent the Sun of Righteousness.
In him the fullness of your glory dwells.
To you be glory and praise for ever.

Prayers

Prayers of Thanks and of Intercession

This, or some other form, may be used:

That the rest of this day may be holy,
peaceful and full of your presence;
in faith we pray. We pray to you our God.

That the work we have done and the people we have met today
may bring us closer to you;
in faith we pray. We pray to you our God.

That we may hear and respond to your call to peace and justice;
in faith we pray. We pray to you our God.

That you will sustain the faith and hope of those who are lonely, oppressed and anxious;
in faith we pray. We pray to you our God.

That you will strengthen us in your service,
and fill our hearts with longing for your kingdom;
in faith we pray. We pray to you our God.

God of mercy,
you know us and love us and hear our prayer:
keep us in the eternal fellowship of Jesus Christ our Saviour.
Amen.

The Collect

A period of silent prayer is followed by the Collect

The Lord’s Prayer

Our Father who art in heaven…… Amen.

Conclusion

Song(s) or a hymn may be sung.

Final Prayer

In darkness and in light, in trouble and in joy,
help us, heavenly Father, to trust your love,
to serve your purpose, and to praise your name;
through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Sending Out

A blessing, the Grace or a sharing of the Peace may conclude the service,

Jesus Christ is the light of the world:
a light no darkness can quench.
Stay with us, Lord, for it is evening:
and the day is almost over.
The darkness is not dark to you:
the night is as bright as the day.
Let your light scatter the darkness:
and fill your church with your glory. Amen.