{"id":40817,"date":"2020-12-31T13:48:54","date_gmt":"2020-12-31T18:48:54","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/thenalc.org\/?page_id=40817"},"modified":"2021-01-01T01:14:29","modified_gmt":"2021-01-01T06:14:29","slug":"evening-prayer-vespers","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/thenalc.org\/worship-resources\/evening-prayer-vespers\/","title":{"rendered":"Evening Prayer (Vespers)"},"content":{"rendered":"

 <\/p>\n[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]In many times and places, dusk has been a time of prayer. Jews prayed in their synagogues at sunset as well as at other times each day. This Jewish pattern of prayer formed the basis of the Christian monastic “Daily Office,” with its prayers or “hours” at seven times each day. Anglican and Lutheran revisions of the Daily Office reduced the number of services to two \u2014 one for morning (Matins<\/strong>) and one for evening (Vespers<\/strong> or Evensong<\/strong>). Eventually, the evening service was given its present name, Evening Prayer.<\/p>\n

Many elements of Evening Prayer come from the monastic prayer tradition. Evening Prayer may begin with an opening sentence of scripture and with the confession of sin. The Invitatory may include the canticle Phos Hilaron<\/em>, an ancient hymn praising Christ at the lighting of lamps at sunset. The office continues with a selection from the Psalter (psalms were recited at every one of the offices, with the whole Psalter recited once a week), readings from Scriptures followed by canticles (typically the Magnificat<\/em> or Nunc dimittis<\/em>), the Apostles’ Creed, the Lord’s Prayer, a set of suffrages, one or more collects, and the dismissal. One of the two suffrages is a version of the litany in the Evening Office of Eastern Orthodox churches with images of evening and death. Evening Prayer may also include an office hymn or anthem, the General Thanksgiving, a Prayer of St. Chrysostom, and a concluding sentence of scripture.<\/p>\n

Below, you will find two versions of Evening Prayer, a spoken version<\/strong> and a sung version<\/strong>. The music for the sung version is found in the Lutheran Book of Worship<\/em> (1978). This is a short service that can be used in the home. The L<\/span> designates a Leader and the C<\/span> designates the Congregation assembled to worship (which might simply be your family).[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_tta_tabs style=”modern” active_section=”0″][vc_tta_section i_icon_fontawesome=”fas fa-align-justify” add_icon=”true” title=”Spoken” tab_id=”spoken”][vc_column_text]\n

Opening Versicles<\/h3>\n

Stand<\/span><\/em><\/strong>
\n[vc_column_text bwd_show_when_type=”between” bwd_show_when_date=”12\/24\/2020 00:00″ bwd_show_when_date_end=”01\/06\/2021 18:00″ bwd_tbc4vd_show_weekday=”sun,mon,tue,wed,thu,fri,sat” bwd_tbc4vd_show_weekday_sun_allday=”” bwd_tbc4vd_show_weekday_mon_allday=”” bwd_tbc4vd_show_weekday_tue_allday=”” bwd_tbc4vd_show_weekday_wed_allday=”” bwd_tbc4vd_show_weekday_thu_allday=”” bwd_tbc4vd_show_weekday_fri_allday=”” bwd_tbc4vd_show_weekday_sat_allday=””]\nL\u00a0 \u00a0 <\/span>The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light.
\nC\u00a0 \u00a0 <\/span>The light shines in the darkness and the darkness has not overcome it.<\/strong>
\nL\u00a0 \u00a0 <\/span>Those who dwelt in the land of deep darkness, on them has light shined.
\nC\u00a0 \u00a0 <\/span>We have beheld Christ\u2019s glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father.<\/strong>
\nL\u00a0 \u00a0 <\/span>For to us a child is born, to us a Son is given.
\nC\u00a0 \u00a0 <\/span>In him was life, and the life was the light of man.<\/strong>
\n[\/vc_column_text]\n[vc_column_text bwd_show_when_type=”between” bwd_show_when_date=”01\/06\/2021 18:00″ bwd_show_when_date_end=”02\/16\/2021 18:00″ bwd_tbc4vd_show_weekday=”sun,mon,tue,wed,thu,fri,sat” bwd_tbc4vd_show_weekday_sun_allday=”” bwd_tbc4vd_show_weekday_mon_allday=”” bwd_tbc4vd_show_weekday_tue_allday=”” bwd_tbc4vd_show_weekday_wed_allday=”” bwd_tbc4vd_show_weekday_thu_allday=”” bwd_tbc4vd_show_weekday_fri_allday=”” bwd_tbc4vd_show_weekday_sat_allday=””]\nL\u00a0 \u00a0 <\/span>Jesus Christ is the Light of the world,
\nC\u00a0 \u00a0 <\/span>the light no darkness can overcome.<\/strong>
\nL\u00a0 \u00a0 <\/span>Stay with us, Lord, for it is evening,
\nC\u00a0 \u00a0 <\/span>and the day is almost over.<\/strong>
\nL\u00a0 \u00a0 <\/span>Let your light scatter the darkness,
\nC\u00a0 \u00a0 <\/span>and illumine your Church.<\/strong>
\n[\/vc_column_text]\n[vc_column_text bwd_show_when_type=”between” bwd_show_when_date=”02\/16\/2021 18:00″ bwd_show_when_date_end=”04\/03\/2021 18:00″ bwd_tbc4vd_show_weekday=”sun,mon,tue,wed,thu,fri,sat” bwd_tbc4vd_show_weekday_sun_allday=”” bwd_tbc4vd_show_weekday_mon_allday=”” bwd_tbc4vd_show_weekday_tue_allday=”” bwd_tbc4vd_show_weekday_wed_allday=”” bwd_tbc4vd_show_weekday_thu_allday=”” bwd_tbc4vd_show_weekday_fri_allday=”” bwd_tbc4vd_show_weekday_sat_allday=””]\nL\u00a0 \u00a0 <\/span>Behold, now is the acceptable time;
\nC\u00a0 \u00a0 <\/span>now is the day of salvation.<\/strong>
\nL\u00a0 \u00a0 <\/span>Turn us again, O God of our salvation,
\nC\u00a0 \u00a0 <\/span>that the light of your face may shine on us.<\/strong>
\nL\u00a0 \u00a0 <\/span>May your justice shine like the sun;
\nC\u00a0 \u00a0 <\/span>and may the poor be lifted up.<\/strong>
\n[\/vc_column_text]\n[vc_column_text bwd_show_when_type=”between” bwd_show_when_date=”04\/03\/2021 18:00″ bwd_show_when_date_end=”05\/22\/2021 18:00″ bwd_tbc4vd_show_weekday=”sun,mon,tue,wed,thu,fri,sat” bwd_tbc4vd_show_weekday_sun_allday=”” bwd_tbc4vd_show_weekday_mon_allday=”” bwd_tbc4vd_show_weekday_tue_allday=”” bwd_tbc4vd_show_weekday_wed_allday=”” bwd_tbc4vd_show_weekday_thu_allday=”” bwd_tbc4vd_show_weekday_fri_allday=”” bwd_tbc4vd_show_weekday_sat_allday=””]\nL\u00a0 \u00a0 <\/span>Jesus Christ is risen from the dead.
\nC\u00a0 \u00a0 <\/span>Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia!<\/strong>
\nL\u00a0 \u00a0 <\/span>We are illumined by the brightness of his rising.
\nC\u00a0 \u00a0 <\/span>Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia!<\/strong>
\nL\u00a0 \u00a0 <\/span>Death has no more dominion over us.
\nC\u00a0 \u00a0 <\/span>Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia!<\/strong>
\n[\/vc_column_text]\n[vc_column_text bwd_show_when_type=”between” bwd_show_when_date=”05\/22\/2021 18:00″ bwd_show_when_date_end=”11\/27\/2021 18:00″ bwd_tbc4vd_show_weekday=”sun,mon,tue,wed,thu,fri,sat” bwd_tbc4vd_show_weekday_sun_allday=”” bwd_tbc4vd_show_weekday_mon_allday=”” bwd_tbc4vd_show_weekday_tue_allday=”” bwd_tbc4vd_show_weekday_wed_allday=”” bwd_tbc4vd_show_weekday_thu_allday=”” bwd_tbc4vd_show_weekday_fri_allday=”” bwd_tbc4vd_show_weekday_sat_allday=””]\nL\u00a0 \u00a0 <\/span>Jesus Christ is the Light of the world,
\nC\u00a0 \u00a0 <\/span>the light no darkness can overcome.<\/strong>
\nL\u00a0 \u00a0 <\/span>Stay with us, Lord, for it is evening,
\nC\u00a0 \u00a0 <\/span>and the day is almost over.<\/strong>
\nL\u00a0 \u00a0 <\/span>Let your light scatter the darkness,
\nC\u00a0 \u00a0 <\/span>and illumine your Church.<\/strong>
\n[\/vc_column_text]\n[vc_column_text bwd_show_when_type=”between” bwd_show_when_date=”11\/27\/2021 18:00″ bwd_show_when_date_end=”12\/24\/2021 18:00″ bwd_tbc4vd_show_weekday=”sun,mon,tue,wed,thu,fri,sat” bwd_tbc4vd_show_weekday_sun_allday=”” bwd_tbc4vd_show_weekday_mon_allday=”” bwd_tbc4vd_show_weekday_tue_allday=”” bwd_tbc4vd_show_weekday_wed_allday=”” bwd_tbc4vd_show_weekday_thu_allday=”” bwd_tbc4vd_show_weekday_fri_allday=”” bwd_tbc4vd_show_weekday_sat_allday=””]\nL\u00a0 \u00a0 <\/span>The Spirit and the Church cry out:
\nC\u00a0 \u00a0 <\/span>Come, Lord Jesus.<\/strong>
\nL\u00a0 \u00a0 <\/span>All those who await his appearance pray:
\nC\u00a0 \u00a0 <\/span>Come, Lord Jesus.<\/strong>
\nL\u00a0 \u00a0 <\/span>The whole creation pleads:
\nC\u00a0 \u00a0 <\/span>Come, Lord Jesus.<\/strong>
\n[\/vc_column_text]\n[vc_column_text bwd_show_when_type=”between” bwd_show_when_date=”12\/24\/2021 18:00″ bwd_show_when_date_end=”01\/06\/2022 18:00″ bwd_tbc4vd_show_weekday=”sun,mon,tue,wed,thu,fri,sat” bwd_tbc4vd_show_weekday_sun_allday=”” bwd_tbc4vd_show_weekday_mon_allday=”” bwd_tbc4vd_show_weekday_tue_allday=”” bwd_tbc4vd_show_weekday_wed_allday=”” bwd_tbc4vd_show_weekday_thu_allday=”” bwd_tbc4vd_show_weekday_fri_allday=”” bwd_tbc4vd_show_weekday_sat_allday=””]\nL\u00a0 \u00a0 <\/span>The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light.
\nC\u00a0 \u00a0 <\/span>The light shines in the darkness and the darkness has not overcome it.<\/strong>
\nL\u00a0 \u00a0 <\/span>Those who dwelt in the land of deep darkness, on them has light shined.
\nC\u00a0 \u00a0 <\/span>We have beheld Christ\u2019s glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father.<\/strong>
\nL\u00a0 \u00a0 <\/span>For to us a child is born, to us a Son is given.
\nC\u00a0 \u00a0 <\/span>In him was life, and the life was the light of man.<\/strong>
\n[\/vc_column_text]\n

L\u00a0 \u00a0 <\/span>Joyous light of glory:
\nC\u00a0 \u00a0 <\/span>and illumine your Church.<\/strong>
\nOf the immortal Father; heavenly, holy, blessed Jesus Christ.<\/span>
\nWe have come to the setting of the sun, and we look to the evening light.<\/span>
\nWe sing to God, the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit:<\/span>
\nYou are worthy of being praised with pure voices forever.<\/span>
\nO Son of God, O Giver of life: The universe proclaims your glory.<\/span>
\nL\u00a0 \u00a0 <\/span>The Lord be with you.
\nC\u00a0 \u00a0 <\/span>And also with you.<\/strong>
\nL\u00a0 \u00a0 <\/span>Let us give thanks to the Lord our God.
\nC\u00a0 \u00a0 <\/span>It is right to give him thanks and praise.<\/strong>
\nL\u00a0 \u00a0 <\/span>Blessed are you, O Lord our God, king of the universe, who led your people Israel by a pillar of cloud by day and a pillar of fire by night: Enlighten our darkness by the light of your Christ; may your Word be a lamp to our feet and a light to our path; for you are merciful, and you love your whole creation, and we, your creatures glorify you, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
\nC\u00a0 \u00a0 <\/span>Amen<\/strong><\/p>\n

Psalmody<\/h3>\n

Psalm 141<\/h4>\n

Let my prayer rise before you as incense; the lifting up of my hands as the evening sacrifice.<\/span>
\nO Lord, I call to you; come to me quickly: hear my voice when I cry to you.<\/span>
\nLet my prayer rise before you as incense; the lifting up of my hands as the evening sacrifice.<\/span>
\nSet a watch before my mouth, O Lord; and guard the door of my lips.<\/span>
\nLet not my heart incline to any evil thing; let me not be occupied in wickedness with evildoers.<\/span>
\nBut my eyes are turned to you, Lord God; in you I take refuge. Strip me not of my life.<\/span>
\nGlory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit; as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be forever.<\/span>
\nLet my prayer rise before you as incense; the lifting up of my hands as the evening sacrifice.<\/span>
\nSilence for meditation.<\/span><\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n

L\u00a0 \u00a0 <\/span>Let the incense of our repentant prayer ascend before you, O Lord, and let your loving-kindness descend upon us, that with purified minds we may sing your praises with the Church on earth and the whole heavenly host, and may glorify you forever and ever.
\nC\u00a0 \u00a0 <\/span>Amen.<\/strong><\/p>\n[vc_column_text bwd_show_when_type=”between” bwd_show_when_date=”12\/24\/2020 00:00″ bwd_show_when_date_end=”01\/06\/2021 18:00″ bwd_tbc4vd_show_weekday=”sun,mon,tue,wed,thu,fri,sat” bwd_tbc4vd_show_weekday_sun_allday=”” bwd_tbc4vd_show_weekday_mon_allday=”” bwd_tbc4vd_show_weekday_tue_allday=”” bwd_tbc4vd_show_weekday_wed_allday=”” bwd_tbc4vd_show_weekday_thu_allday=”” bwd_tbc4vd_show_weekday_fri_allday=”” bwd_tbc4vd_show_weekday_sat_allday=””]\nL\u00a0 \u00a0 <\/span>The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light.
\nC\u00a0 \u00a0 <\/span>The light shines in the darkness and the darkness has not overcome it.<\/strong>
\nL\u00a0 \u00a0 <\/span>Those who dwelt in the land of deep darkness, on them has light shined.
\nC\u00a0 \u00a0 <\/span>We have beheld Christ\u2019s glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father.<\/strong>
\nL\u00a0 \u00a0 <\/span>For to us a child is born, to us a Son is given.
\nC\u00a0 \u00a0 <\/span>In him was life, and the life was the light of man.<\/strong>
\n[\/vc_column_text]\n[vc_column_text bwd_show_when_type=”between” bwd_show_when_date=”01\/06\/2021 18:00″ bwd_show_when_date_end=”02\/16\/2021 18:00″ bwd_tbc4vd_show_weekday=”sun,mon,tue,wed,thu,fri,sat” bwd_tbc4vd_show_weekday_sun_allday=”” bwd_tbc4vd_show_weekday_mon_allday=”” bwd_tbc4vd_show_weekday_tue_allday=”” bwd_tbc4vd_show_weekday_wed_allday=”” bwd_tbc4vd_show_weekday_thu_allday=”” bwd_tbc4vd_show_weekday_fri_allday=”” bwd_tbc4vd_show_weekday_sat_allday=””]\nL\u00a0 \u00a0 <\/span>Jesus Christ is the Light of the world,
\nC\u00a0 \u00a0 <\/span>the light no darkness can overcome.<\/strong>
\nL\u00a0 \u00a0 <\/span>Stay with us, Lord, for it is evening,
\nC\u00a0 \u00a0 <\/span>and the day is almost over.<\/strong>
\nL\u00a0 \u00a0 <\/span>Let your light scatter the darkness,
\nC\u00a0 \u00a0 <\/span>and illumine your Church.<\/strong>
\n[\/vc_column_text]\n[vc_column_text bwd_show_when_type=”between” bwd_show_when_date=”02\/16\/2021 18:00″ bwd_show_when_date_end=”04\/03\/2021 18:00″ bwd_tbc4vd_show_weekday=”sun,mon,tue,wed,thu,fri,sat” bwd_tbc4vd_show_weekday_sun_allday=”” bwd_tbc4vd_show_weekday_mon_allday=”” bwd_tbc4vd_show_weekday_tue_allday=”” bwd_tbc4vd_show_weekday_wed_allday=”” bwd_tbc4vd_show_weekday_thu_allday=”” bwd_tbc4vd_show_weekday_fri_allday=”” bwd_tbc4vd_show_weekday_sat_allday=””]\nL\u00a0 \u00a0 <\/span>Behold, now is the acceptable time;
\nC\u00a0 \u00a0 <\/span>now is the day of salvation.<\/strong>
\nL\u00a0 \u00a0 <\/span>Turn us again, O God of our salvation,
\nC\u00a0 \u00a0 <\/span>that the light of your face may shine on us.<\/strong>
\nL\u00a0 \u00a0 <\/span>May your justice shine like the sun;
\nC\u00a0 \u00a0 <\/span>and may the poor be lifted up.<\/strong>
\n[\/vc_column_text]\n[vc_column_text bwd_show_when_type=”between” bwd_show_when_date=”04\/03\/2021 18:00″ bwd_show_when_date_end=”05\/22\/2021 18:00″ bwd_tbc4vd_show_weekday=”sun,mon,tue,wed,thu,fri,sat” bwd_tbc4vd_show_weekday_sun_allday=”” bwd_tbc4vd_show_weekday_mon_allday=”” bwd_tbc4vd_show_weekday_tue_allday=”” bwd_tbc4vd_show_weekday_wed_allday=”” bwd_tbc4vd_show_weekday_thu_allday=”” bwd_tbc4vd_show_weekday_fri_allday=”” bwd_tbc4vd_show_weekday_sat_allday=””]\nL\u00a0 \u00a0 <\/span>Jesus Christ is risen from the dead.
\nC\u00a0 \u00a0 <\/span>Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia!<\/strong>
\nL\u00a0 \u00a0 <\/span>We are illumined by the brightness of his rising.
\nC\u00a0 \u00a0 <\/span>Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia!<\/strong>
\nL\u00a0 \u00a0 <\/span>Death has no more dominion over us.
\nC\u00a0 \u00a0 <\/span>Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia!<\/strong>
\n[\/vc_column_text]\n[vc_column_text bwd_show_when_type=”between” bwd_show_when_date=”05\/22\/2021 18:00″ bwd_show_when_date_end=”11\/27\/2021 18:00″ bwd_tbc4vd_show_weekday=”sun,mon,tue,wed,thu,fri,sat” bwd_tbc4vd_show_weekday_sun_allday=”” bwd_tbc4vd_show_weekday_mon_allday=”” bwd_tbc4vd_show_weekday_tue_allday=”” bwd_tbc4vd_show_weekday_wed_allday=”” bwd_tbc4vd_show_weekday_thu_allday=”” bwd_tbc4vd_show_weekday_fri_allday=”” bwd_tbc4vd_show_weekday_sat_allday=””]\nL\u00a0 \u00a0 <\/span>Jesus Christ is the Light of the world,
\nC\u00a0 \u00a0 <\/span>the light no darkness can overcome.<\/strong>
\nL\u00a0 \u00a0 <\/span>Stay with us, Lord, for it is evening,
\nC\u00a0 \u00a0 <\/span>and the day is almost over.<\/strong>
\nL\u00a0 \u00a0 <\/span>Let your light scatter the darkness,
\nC\u00a0 \u00a0 <\/span>and illumine your Church.<\/strong>
\n[\/vc_column_text]\n[vc_column_text bwd_show_when_type=”between” bwd_show_when_date=”11\/27\/2021 18:00″ bwd_show_when_date_end=”12\/24\/2021 18:00″ bwd_tbc4vd_show_weekday=”sun,mon,tue,wed,thu,fri,sat” bwd_tbc4vd_show_weekday_sun_allday=”” bwd_tbc4vd_show_weekday_mon_allday=”” bwd_tbc4vd_show_weekday_tue_allday=”” bwd_tbc4vd_show_weekday_wed_allday=”” bwd_tbc4vd_show_weekday_thu_allday=”” bwd_tbc4vd_show_weekday_fri_allday=”” bwd_tbc4vd_show_weekday_sat_allday=””]\nL\u00a0 \u00a0 <\/span>The Spirit and the Church cry out:
\nC\u00a0 \u00a0 <\/span>Come, Lord Jesus.<\/strong>
\nL\u00a0 \u00a0 <\/span>All those who await his appearance pray:
\nC\u00a0 \u00a0 <\/span>Come, Lord Jesus.<\/strong>
\nL\u00a0 \u00a0 <\/span>The whole creation pleads:
\nC\u00a0 \u00a0 <\/span>Come, Lord Jesus.<\/strong>
\n[\/vc_column_text]\n[vc_column_text bwd_show_when_type=”between” bwd_show_when_date=”12\/24\/2021 18:00″ bwd_show_when_date_end=”01\/06\/2022 18:00″ bwd_tbc4vd_show_weekday=”sun,mon,tue,wed,thu,fri,sat” bwd_tbc4vd_show_weekday_sun_allday=”” bwd_tbc4vd_show_weekday_mon_allday=”” bwd_tbc4vd_show_weekday_tue_allday=”” bwd_tbc4vd_show_weekday_wed_allday=”” bwd_tbc4vd_show_weekday_thu_allday=”” bwd_tbc4vd_show_weekday_fri_allday=”” bwd_tbc4vd_show_weekday_sat_allday=””]\nL\u00a0 \u00a0 <\/span>The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light.
\nC\u00a0 \u00a0 <\/span>The light shines in the darkness and the darkness has not overcome it.<\/strong>
\nL\u00a0 \u00a0 <\/span>Those who dwelt in the land of deep darkness, on them has light shined.
\nC\u00a0 \u00a0 <\/span>We have beheld Christ\u2019s glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father.<\/strong>
\nL\u00a0 \u00a0 <\/span>For to us a child is born, to us a Son is given.
\nC\u00a0 \u00a0 <\/span>In him was life, and the life was the light of man.<\/strong>
\n[\/vc_column_text]\n

Sit<\/span><\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n

Additional Psalmody<\/h3>\n

Additional psalmody from the calendar follows. Silence for meditation follows each psalm. The psalm prayer appropriate to each psalm follows the silence. Look up the evening psalms on today’s reading calendar<\/a>. Consider singing the Psalms by using the playlist below:<\/span><\/em><\/p>\n