Evensong

Evensong was created by Thomas Cranmer from the sevenfold monastic cycle of prayer - the two offices of Vespers and Compline are combined. It is sung daily in most Cathedrals, and is similar in the text to Mattins.

The words below are taken from Book of Common Prayer (BCP).

Priest:

O Lord, open thou our lips.

Answer:

And our mouth shall show forth thy praise.

Priest:

O God, make speed to save us.

Answer:

O Lord, make haste to help us.

Priest:

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost;

Answer:

As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.

Priest:

Praise ye the Lord.

Answer:

The Lord's Name be praised.

Luke 1:46-55. The Song of Mary.

MY soul doth magnify the Lord : and my spirit hath rejoiced in God my Saviour.
For he hath regarded : the lowliness of his handmaiden.
For behold, from henceforth : all generations shall call me blessed.
For he that is mighty hath magnified me : and holy is his Name.
And his mercy is on them that fear him : throughout all generations.
He hath showed strength with his arm : he hath scattered the proud in the imagination of their hearts.
He hath put down the mighty from their seat : and hath exalted the humble and meek.
He hath filled the hungry with good things : and the rich he hath sent empty away.
He remembering his mercy hath holpen his servant Israel : as he promised to our forefathers, Abraham and his seed, for ever.

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.

Luke 2:28-30 (Song of Simeon)

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;
To be a light to lighten the Gentiles : and to be the glory of thy people Israel.

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.

Minister:

The Lord be with you.

Answer:

And with thy spirit.

Minister:

Let us pray.

Answer:

Lord, have mercy upon us.
Christ, have mercy upon us.
Lord, have mercy upon us.

Our Father, which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy Name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in 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. Amen.

Priest:

O Lord, shew thy mercy upon us.

Answer:

And grant us thy salvation.

Priest:

O Lord, save the Queen.

Answer:

And mercifully hear us when we call upon thee.

Priest:

Endue thy Ministers with righteousness.

Answer:

And make thy chosen people joyful.

Priest:

O Lord, save thy people.

Answer:

And bless thine inheritance.

Priest:

Give peace in our time, O Lord.

Answer:

Because there is none other that fighteth for us, but only thou, O God.

Priest:

O God, make clean our hearts within us.

Answer:

And take not thy Holy Spirit from us.