Evening Prayer

Introduction

Spirit of the Risen Christ, as lamps light up the evening, shine into our hearts and kindle in us the fire of your love.

Candles may be lit.

All say or sing:

The light of Christ has come into the world!

We give you thanks that you led our forbears in the Faith through a cloud by day and a fire by night; we give you thanks, kindly Light, that the torch of faith was brought to this land, and that you ever lead your people on. Light up our dark hearts by the light of your Christ; may his Word illumine our way, for you pour forth loving kindness upon your whole creation, Father, Son and radiant Spirit.

• May the Light of lights come to my dark heart;
• May the Spirit's wisdom come to me from my Saviour.
• May the peace of the Spirit be mine this night,
• The peace of the Son be mine this night,
• The peace of the Father be mine this night,
• The peace of all peace be mine this night,
• Each morning and evening of my life.   

A Psalm

We offer to You, Lord, the troubles of this day; we lay down our burdens at your feet.   Forgive us our sins, give us your peace, and help us to receive your Word.

A Bible Reading - choose one

• Lord, You are my island, in your bosom I rest.
• You are the calm of the sea, in that peace I stay.
• You are the deep waves of the shining ocean,
• With their eternal sound I sing.
• You are the song of the birds, in that tune is my joy.
• You are the smooth white sand of the shore,
• In you is no gloom.
• You are the breaking of the waves on the rock,
• Your praise is echoed in the swell.  
• You are the Lord of my life; in you I dwell.
• Thanks

We give you thanks that you are always present, in all things, each day and each night.   We give you thanks for your gifts of creation, life and friendship. We give you thanks for the blessings of this day

These may be named ....

There may be singing.

Prayers

• Into your hands, O Lord, we place our families, our neighbours, our brothers and sisters in Christ, and all whom we have met today; enfold them in your will.
• Into your hands, O Lord, we place all who are victims of prejudice, oppression or neglect; the unwanted, the frail; May everyone be cherished from conception to the grave.
• Into your hands, O Lord, we place all who are restless, sick, or prey to the powers of evil. Watch over them and watch over us this night.
• Into your hands, O Lord, we place these members of our Community (use the names for the day in The Prayer Diary) and others on our hearts.
• The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with us all.
• Amen.