Evening Prayer

Order of Worship

The light shines in the darkness; 
and the darkness has not overcome it.
Stay with us, for it is toward evening and the day is now far spent.
The glory of God gives your city light, and its lamp is the Lamb.

Father, may the coming celebration of your Son's birth bring us renewed hope of salvation and prepare us for eternal life, since we will be mindful of why you sent your Son: to save sinners such as us. Grant us forgiveness and steadfast spirits through that same Son, Jesus Christ, who lives and reigns with you, Father, and the Holy Spirit, forever one God. Amen 

"O Christ, To You, before the Close of Day" (LBW 277)
Text: 8th Century hymn trans. by John M. Neale; Tune: "Benedictine Plainsong"

To you, before the close of day,
Creator of the world, we pray.
Your grace and peace to us allow
and be our guard and keeper now.

From evil dreams defend our sight
from all the terrors of the night,
from all deluding dreams that creep
on heedless minds disarmed by sleep.

O Father, this we ask be done
through Jesus Christ, your only Son,
who with the Holy Ghost and you
shall live and reign all ages through.

Readings

• Philippians 4:2–9
• and from Martin Luther on prayer

Prayers

In the name of the Father and of the + Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

I thank you, my heavenly Father, through Jesus Christ, your dear Son, that you have graciously kept me this day; and I pray that you would forgive me all my sins where I have done wrong, and graciously keep me this night. For into your hands I commend myself, my body and soul, and all things. Let your holy angel be with me, that the evil foe may have no power over me. Amen.