Extracts from A Prayer Book for Australia
Morning and Evening Prayer
SECOND ORDER
1The minister reads one or more of these or other suitable sentences of Scripture.
Through Christ let us offer up a sacrifice of praise to God,
the fruit of lips that acknowledge his name.
Hebrews 13.15
Worthy is the Lamb who was slain,
to receive power and wealth and wisdom and strength
and honour and glory and praise!
Revelation 5.12
Holy, holy, holy is the Lord of hosts,
who was, and is, and is to come!
Revelation 4.8
Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ!
By his great mercy we have been born anew
to a living hope
through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead.
1 Peter 1.3
2These or similar responses are used.
Open our lips, O Lord,
and we shall declare your praise.
This is the day that the Lord has made,
we will rejoice and be glad in it.
In the Easter season may be added
Christ is risen!
He is risen indeed.
3Hymn(s) of praise and/or invocation may be sung.
4The minister continues in these or similar words.
Friends in Christ,
we come together to meet with God,
and to take our part in the building up of his Church.
We will lift up our hearts in thanks and praise,
hear from God’s holy word,
and pray for this world, and for ourselves.
[Today ... ]
The Bible tells us to approach God confidently,
through our Lord Jesus Christ.
As we do so, we must confess our sins,
seeking forgiveness through God’s boundless
goodness and mercy.
5One or more of these or other suitable sentences of Scripture may be read.
God now commands all people everywhere to repent, for he has set a day when he will judge the world with justice by the man he has appointed, Jesus Christ the Lord.
Acts 17.30–31
I will arise and go to my father, and will say to him,
‘Father, I have sinned against heaven and before you;
I am no more worthy to be called your son’.
Luke 15.18–19
To the Lord our God belong mercy and forgiveness,
though we have rebelled against him,
and have not obeyed the voice of the Lord our God
by following his laws which he set before us.
Daniel 9.9–10
If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves,
and the truth is not in us.
But if we confess our sins, God is faithful and just,
and will forgive our sins
and cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
1 John 1.8–9
6Silence may be kept.
The minister continues
So let us draw near to God with sincerity and confidence, and pray together,
God of all mercy,
we humbly admit that we need your help.
We have wandered from your way.
We have sinned in thought, word and deed,
and have failed to do what is right.
You alone can save us.
Have mercy on us,
wipe out our sins and teach us to forgive others.
Bring forth in us the fruit of your Spirit
that we may live the new life to your glory.
This we ask in the name of Jesus our Saviour. Amen.
7The minister stands and declares God’s forgiveness.
God desires that none should perish,
but that all should turn to Christ, and live.
In response to his call we acknowledge our sins.
God pardons those who humbly repent, and truly believe
the gospel.
Therefore we have peace with God, through Jesus Christ. Amen.
and/or
The minister may read one of these sentences of Scripture.
If anyone sins, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous. He is the perfect offering for our sins, and not for ours only, but also for the sins of the whole world.
1 John 2.1–2
In this is love, not that we loved God,
but that he loved us and sent his Son
to be the perfect offering for our sins.
1 John 4.10
Neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor rulers,
nor things present, nor things to come,
nor powers, nor height, nor depth,
nor anything in all creation,
will be able to separate us from the love of God
in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Romans 8.38–39
8All stand. The minister says
Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good.
His steadfast love endures for ever!
The minister greets the people, who may greet one another.
Grace and peace be with you
and also with you.
9A hymn or song of praise and thanksgiving follows, or one of the following forms may be used.
Come, let us sing to the Lord,
shout to the rock of our salvation.
Serve the Lord with gladness,
come before his face with songs of joy.
or, in the evening
Come bless the Lord, all you servants of the Lord
you that stand by night in the house of the Lord.
Lift up your hands towards the holy place
and bless the Lord, who made heaven and earth.
10The minister offers this prayer, or a suitable alternative, in preparation for the reading and teaching of the Scriptures.
Heavenly Father,
give us wisdom and understanding.
As we listen to your Word,
may we know you better,
love you more,
and learn to please you in all we do;
through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
The first Reading, from the Old Testament, or as appointed.
The readings may be concluded
Hear the word of the Lord,
thanks be to God.
Each reading may be followed by silence, music, meditative response, discussion, dialogue or testimony.
A time of Children’s Ministry may be associated with the readings.
11The Psalm(s) of the day are said or sung here, or may precede the Old Testament reading.
These words may be added after the last psalm
Glory to God; Father, Son and Holy Spirit:
as in the beginning, so now, and for ever. Amen.
12The Canticle, The Song of the Church (page 29, suitable in the morning), The Song of Mary (page 31, suitable in the evening) or other hymn may follow.
13A Reading or readings from the New Testament.
14The Canticle, The Song of Zechariah (page 30, suitable in the morning), The Song of Simeon (page 31, suitable in the evening) or other hymn may follow.
15The Sermon is preached here or later.
16A time of congregational reflection may follow, involving questions and discussion, and mutual encouragement or warning, based on the sermon and readings.
17The Apostles’ Creed is said or sung. In its place the Song of the Church (Te Deum, page 29) may be used, or another hymn declaring the Christian faith.
I believe in God, the Father almighty,
creator of heaven and earth.
I believe in Jesus Christ, God’s only Son, our Lord,
who was conceived by the Holy Spirit,
born of the virgin Mary,
suffered under Pontius Pilate,
was crucified, died, and was buried;
he descended to the dead.
On the third day he rose from the dead;
he ascended into heaven,
and is seated at the right hand of the Father;
from there he will come to judge
the living and the dead.
I believe in the Holy Spirit,
the holy catholic Church,
the communion of saints,
the forgiveness of sins,
the resurrection of the body,
and the life everlasting. Amen.
18The minister says
The Lord be with you.
And also with you.
Let us join together in the prayer which Jesus gave us.
Our Father in heaven,
hallowed be your name,
your kingdom come,
your will be done,
on earth as in heaven.
Give us today our daily bread.
Forgive us our sins
as we forgive those who sin against us.
Save us from the time of trial
and deliver us from evil.
For the kingdom, the power, and the glory are yours
now and for ever. Amen.
19The minister continues
Be exalted, Lord, above the heavens,
let your glory cover the earth.
Keep our nation under your care,
and guide us in justice and truth.
Let your way be known on earth,
your saving power among all nations.
Send out your light and your truth,
that we may tell of your saving works.
Have mercy on the poor and oppressed.
Hear the cry of those in need.
Hear our prayers, O Lord,
for we put our trust in you.
20The Collect of the Day
21The minister may continue
Let your requests be made known unto God.
In everything give thanks.
Prayers and thanksgivings may be offered
For the whole created order, especially ...
For the nations and peoples of the earth ...
For those in authority in this land ...
For the Church, its leaders and members ...
For our community, families and friends ...
For those who are in need ...
For particular situations ...
After each prayer the following or similar responses may be used.
Father, hear our prayer, Lord, in your mercy,
through Jesus Christ our Lord. hear our prayer.
22The minister may continue in these or similar words.
Let any who needs the comfort and strength of God’s grace
come forward for the ministry of the laying on of hands.
The minister may invite those who desire the laying on of hands, or similar ministry, to come forward to receive
prayer for healing ...
supportive prayer for a crisis or special occasion ...
encouragement in their own ministries ...
affirmation or reaffirmation of faith ...
The minister may be assisted by others.
Silence, music or songs may accompany these prayers.
23The prayers conclude with one or both of the following.
Faithful God,
you have promised to hear the prayers
of all who ask in Jesus’ name.
In your mercy, accept our prayers.
Give us what we have asked in faith,
according to your will;
through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
From the Liturgy of St John Chrysostom
Lord, you have given us grace to agree in these our prayers, and you have promised that when two or three ask together in your name you will grant their requests. Fulfil now, Lord, our desires and prayers as may be best for us. Grant us, in this life, knowledge of your truth and in the age to come, life eternal. Amen.
THE SENDING OUT OF GOD'S PEOPLE
Hymns or songs may be used at any appropriate point in this section.
24Notices and other announcements may be made (see note 3).
25A collection may be received, accompanied by appropriate Scripture sentences, silence, song, or instrumental music.
The collection may be presented in silence, or the following or another suitable prayer may be used.
Blessed are you, Lord, God of all creation.
Through your goodness we have these gifts to share.
Accept and use our offerings for your glory
and for the service of your kingdom.
Blessed be God for ever.
26Corporate acts of commitment and commissioning may take place, with appropriate gestures and prayers (see note 4).
27One of the following, or a similar prayer, is said.
Eternal God and Father,
by whose power we are created,
and by whose love we are redeemed:
Guide and strengthen us by your Spirit,
that we may give ourselves to your service,
and live this day in love to one another
and to you;
through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
or
Lord Jesus Christ,
send us out with confidence in your word
to tell the world of your saving acts,
and bring glory to your name. Amen.
28The minister says one of the following
The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God,
and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit,
be with us all. Amen.
or
May the Lord bless you and keep you;
May the Lord make his face to shine upon you,
and be gracious to you.
May the Lord lift up his countenance upon you,
and give you peace. Amen.
29The minister says
Go in peace to love and serve the Lord:
In the name of Christ. Amen.
Canticles for use at Sunday Morning and Evening Prayer
The Song of the Church (Te Deum Laudamus)
We praise you, O God:
We acclaim you as the Lord.
All creation worships you:
the Father everlasting.
To you all angels, all the powers of heaven:
the cherubim and seraphim, sing in endless praise,
Holy, holy, holy Lord, God of power and might:
heaven and earth are full of your glory.
The glorious company of apostles praise you:
The noble fellowship of prophets praise you.
The white-robed army of martyrs praise you:
Throughout the world, the holy Church acclaims you,
Father of majesty unbounded:
your true and only Son, worthy of all praise,
and the Holy Spirit, advocate and guide.
You, Lord Christ, are the King of glory:
the eternal Son of the Father.
When you took our flesh to set us free:
you humbly chose the Virgin’s womb.
You overcame the sting of death:
and opened the kingdom of heaven to all believers.
You are seated at God’s right hand in glory:
We believe that you will come to be our judge.
Come then, Lord, and help your people,
bought with the price of your own blood:
and bring us with your saints to glory everlasting.
Musical settings: Australian Hymn Book 1, 86, 113; Sing Alleluia 40; Psalm Praise 6, 7, 8; Catholic Worship Book 856.
The Song of Zechariah (Benedictus, Luke 1.68–79)
Blessed be the Lord, the God of Israel:
who has come to his people and set them free.
The Lord has raised up for us a mighty Saviour:
born of the house of his servant David.
Through the holy prophets, God promised of old:
to save us from our enemies, from the hands of
all who hate us,
To show mercy to our forebears:
and to remember his holy covenant.
This was the oath God swore to our father Abraham:
to set us free from the hands of our enemies,
Free to worship him without fear:
holy and righteous before him, all the days of our life.
And you, child, shall be called the prophet of the Most High:
for you will go before the Lord to prepare his way,
To give his people knowledge of salvation:
by the forgiveness of their sins.
In the tender compassion of our God:
the dawn from on high shall break upon us,
To shine on those who dwell in darkness and
the shadow of death:
and to guide our feet into the way of peace.
Musical settings: Psalms for Today 153 (A–C); Psalm Praise 13, 14, 15; Catholic Worship Book 637
Morning and Evening Prayer (Second Order) continues on page 24 at ¶ 15.
The Song of Mary (Magnificat, Luke 1.47–55)
My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord:
my spirit rejoices in God my Saviour,
Who has looked with favour on his lowly servant:
from this day all generations will call me blessed.
The Almighty has done great things for me:
and holy is his name.
God has mercy on those who fear him:
from generation to generation.
The Lord has shown strength with his arm:
and scattered the proud in their conceit,
Casting down the mighty from their thrones:
and lifting up the lowly.
God has filled the hungry with good things:
and sent the rich away empty.
He has come to the aid of his servant Israel:
to remember the promise of mercy,
The promise made to our forebears:
to Abraham and his children for ever.
Musical settings: Australian Hymn Book 109, 210; Psalms for Today 160 (A–B); Psalm Praise 21, 22, 23, 24, 25; Catholic Worship Book 635.
The Song of Simeon (Nunc Dimittis, Luke 2.29–32)
Now, Lord, you let your servant go in peace:
Your word has been fulfilled.
My own eyes have seen the salvation:
which you have prepared in the sight of every people:
A light to reveal you to the nations:
and the glory of your people Israel.
Musical settings: Australian Hymn Book 248; Psalms for Today 163 (A–D); Psalm Praise 30, 31, 32; Catholic Worship Book 636.
Morning and Evening Prayer (Second Order) continues on page 24 at ¶ 15.
The following is especially suitable at ¶ 9 during Easter:
Hymn of the Risen Christ (Easter Anthems)
Christ our Passover has been sacrificed for us:
so let us celebrate the feast,
Not with the old leaven of corruption and wickedness:
but with the unleavened bread of sincerity and truth.
Christ once raised from the dead dies no more:
Death has no more dominion over him.
In dying he died to sin once for all:
in living he lives to God.
See yourselves therefore as dead to sin:
and alive to God in Jesus Christ our Lord.
Christ has been raised from the dead:
the firstfruits of those who sleep.
For as by one man came death:
by another has come also the resurrection of the dead;
For as in Adam all die:
even so in Christ shall all be made alive.
Musical setting: Sing Alleluia 1.
Notes
1 The optional words in ¶ 4 are intended to allow for a brief announcement of any particular purpose of the service.
2 Where it is desired according to local custom, the people may stand for a reading from the gospels, which may be introduced and concluded using the forms for the Gospel in Holy Communion.
3 The Notices (¶ 24) may include items such as:
personal and community news
events in the life of the church
activities touching the mission of the church in the world.
4 Acts of commitment and commissioning (¶ 26) may include items such as:
commissioning to local ministries
sending out of those taking up wider ministries
farewells
particular acts of commitment.