The Vespers Office

Come, let us bow down, and bend the knee,* and kneel before the LORD our Maker.

Accept, O LORD, the willing tribute of my lips,* and teach me your judgments.

O LORD of hosts,* happy are they who put their trust in you!

Beneath the cross of Jesus I fain would take my stand, The shadow of a mighty rock within a weary land, Ahome within the wilderness, a rest upon the way, From the burning noontime heat and the burden of the day. Upon the cross of Jesus my eyes at times can see The very dying form of one who suffered there for me; And from my smitten heart with tears two wonders I confess: The wonders of redeeming love and my unworthiness. I take, O cross, your shadow for my abiding place; I ask no other sunshine than the sunshine of his face; Content to let my pride go by, to know no gain nor loss, My sinful self my only shame, my glory all the cross.

You have been gracious to your land, O LORD,* you have restored the good fortune of Jacob.

Show us your mercy, O LORD,* and grant us your salvation. I will listen to what the LORD God is saying,* for he is speaking peace to his faithful people and to those who turn their hearts to him. Truly, his salvation is very near to those who fear him,* that his glory may dwell in our land. Mercy and truth have met together;* righteousness and peace have kissed each other. Truth shall spring up from the earth,* and righteousness shall look down from heaven. The LORD will indeed grant prosperity,* and our land will yield its increase. Righteousness shall go before him,* and peace shall be a pathway for his feet.

You have been gracious to your land, O LORD,* you have restored the good fortune of Jacob.

The Son of man shall be delivered over to the Gentiles to be mocked and scourged and crucified.

Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be your Name. May your kingdom come, and 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. Lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil; for yours are the kingdom and the power and the glory forever and ever. Amen.

Almighty God, whose blessed Son was led by the Spirit to be tempted by Satan: Come quickly to help us who are assaulted by many temptations; and, as you know the weaknesses of each of us, let each one find you mighty to save; through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

O holy God, as evening falls remain with us, Remember our good deeds and forgive our failings. Help us to reflect upon and live according to your covenant of love. Be with our lonely and elderly sisters and brothers in the evening of their lives. May all who long to see you face to face know the comfort of your presence. This we ask in union with Simeon and Anna and all who have gone before us blessing and proclaiming you by the fidelity of their lives. Amen.