Palm Sunday





The Call to Prayer
Let the peoples praise you, O God;* let all the peoples praise you.
Let the nations be glad and sing for joy,* for you judge the peoples with equity and guide all nations upon the earth.
Let the peoples praise you, O God;* let all the peoples praise you.

The Request for Presence
Hear my voice, O LORD, according to your loving-kindness;* according to your judgments, give me life.

The Greeting
Hosanna, LORD, hosanna!*...
Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord.

The Refrain for the Morning Lessons
God is the LORD; he has shined upon us;* form a procession with branches up to the horns of the altar.

A Reading
When they were approaching Jerusalem, at Bethphage and Bethany, close by the Mount of Olives, he sent two of his disciples and said to them, 'Go to the village facing you, and as you enter it you will at once find a tethered colt that no one has yet ridden. Untie it and bring it here. If anyone says to you, "What are you doing?" say, "The Master needs it and will send it back here at once." ’ They went off and found a colt tethered near a door in the open street. As they untied it, some men standing there said, 'What are you doing untying that colt?’ They gave the answer that Jesus had told them, and the man let them go. Then they took the colt to Jesus and threw their cloaks on its back, and he mounted it. Many people spread their cloaks on the road, and others greenery which they had cut in the fields. And those who went in front and those who followed were all shouting, 'Hosanna! Blessed is he who is coming in the name of the Lord! Blessed is the coming kingdom of David our father! Hosanna in the highest heavens!’ He entered Jerusalem and went into the Temple; and when he had surveyed it all, as it was late by now, he went out to Bethany with the Twelve.

The Refrain
God is the LORD; he has shined upon us;* form a procession with branches up to the horns of the altar.

The Morning Psalm
(Open the Gates and Form a Procession with Branches)
Open for me the gates of righteousness;* I will enter them; I will offer thanks to the LORD.
"This is the gate of the LORD;* he who is righteous may enter."
I will give thanks to you, for you answered me* and have become my salvation.
The same stone which the builders rejected* has become the chief cornerstone.
This is the LORD’s doing,* and it is marvelous in our eyes.
On this day the LORD has acted;* we will rejoice and be glad in it.
Hosanna, LORD, hosanna!* LORD, send us now success.
Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord;* we bless you from the house of the LORD.
God is the LORD; he has shined upon us;* form a procession with branches up to the horns of the altar.
"You are my God, and I will thank you;* you are my God, and I will exalt you."
Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good;* his mercy endures for ever.

The Refrain
God is the LORD; he has shined upon us;* form a procession with branches up to the horns of the altar.

The Cry of the Church
Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord, Hosanna in the highest.

The Lord's Prayer

The Prayer Appointed for the Day
Assist me mercifully with your help, O Lord God of our salvation, that I may enter with joy upon the contemplation of those mighty acts, whereby you have given us life and immortality; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. †

The Concluding Prayer of the Church
Almighty and everliving God, in your tender love for the human race you sent your Son our Savior Jesus Christ to take upon him our nature, and to suffer death upon the cross, giving us the example of his great humility: Mercifully grant that I may walk in the way of his suffering, and also share in his resurrec-tion; through Jesus Christ my Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen. †





The Call to Prayer
Come, let us sing to the LORD;* let us shout for joy to the Rock of our salvation.
Let us come before his presence with thanksgiving* and raise a loud shout to him with psalms.
For the LORD is a great God,* and a great King above all gods.
In his hands are the caverns of the earth,* and the heights of the hills are his also.
The sea is his, for he made it,* and his hands have molded the dry land.

The Request for Presence
May God give us his blessing,* and may all the ends of the earth stand in awe of him.

The Greeting
You, O LORD,are a shield about me;* you are my glory, the one who lifts up my head.

The Refrain for the Midday Lessons
May the glory of the LORD endure for ever;* may the LORD rejoice in all his works.

A Reading
Pass through, pass through the gates. Clear a way for my people! Level up, level up the highway, remove the stones! Hoist a signal to the peoples! This is what YAHWEH has proclaimed to the remotest part of the earth: Say to the daughter of Zion, 'Look, your salvation is coming; with him comes his reward, his achievement precedes him!’ They will be called 'The Holy People,’ 'YAHWEH’s Redeemed,’ while you will be called 'Sought after,’ 'City-not-forsaken.’

The Refrain
May the glory of the LORD endure for ever;* may the LORD rejoice in all his works.

The Midday Psalm
The Earth Is the LORD’s and All That Is in It
The earth is the LORD’s and all that is in it,* the world and all who dwell therein.
For it is he who founded it upon the seas* and made it firm upon the rivers of the deep.
"Who can ascend the hill of the LORD?"* and who can stand in his holy place?"
"Those who have clean hands and a pure heart,* who have not pledged themselves to falsehood, nor sworn by what is a fraud.
They shall receive a blessing from the LORD* and a just reward from the God of their salvation."
Such is the generation of those who seek him,* of those who seek your face, O God of Jacob.

The Refrain
May the glory of the LORD endure for ever;* may the LORD rejoice in all his works.

The Cry of the Church
O God, come to my assistance! O Lord, make haste to help me!

The Lord's Prayer

The Prayer Appointed for the Day
Assist me mercifully with your help, O Lord God of our salvation, that I may enter with joy upon the contemplation of those mighty acts, whereby you have given us life and immortality; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. †

The Concluding Prayer of the Church
Almighty and everlasting God, who willed that our Savior should take upon Him, our flesh and suffer death upon the Cross, that all mankind should follow the example of His great humility, mercifully grant that I may both follow the example of His patience and also partake of His resurrection. Through the same Jesus Christ. Amen.





The Call to Prayer
Come, let us bow down, and bend the knee,* and kneel before the LORD our Maker. For he is our God* and we are the people of his pasture and the sheep of his hand.

The Request for Presence
I call upon you, O God, for you will answer me;* incline your ear to me, and hear my words.

The Greeting
You are God: I praise you;* you are the Lord: I acclaim you;
You are the eternal Father:* all creation worships you.
Throughout the world the holy Church acclaims you:* Father, of majesty unbounded,
your true and only Son,* worthy of all worship,
and the Holy Spirit,* advocate and guide.
As these have been from the beginning,* so they are now and evermore shall be. Amen.
The Hymn
Ride On in Majesty
Ride on! Ride on in majesty!
Hark! All the tribes hosanna cry;
Your humble beast pursues his road
With palms and scattered garments strowed.

Ride on! Ride on in majesty!
In lowly pomp ride on to die;
O Christ, your triumphs now begin
Over captive death and conquered sin.

Ride on! Ride on in majesty!
The angel armies of the sky
Look down with sad and wondering eyes
To see the approaching sacrifice.

Ride on! Ride on in majesty!
Your last and fiercest strife is nigh;
The Father on his sapphire throne
Expects his own anointed Son.

Ride on! Ride on in majesty!
In lowly pomp ride on to die;
Bow your meek head to mortal pain,
Then take, O God, your power and reign.

The Refrain for the Vespers Lessons
Sing to the LORD, you servants of his;* give thanks for the remembrance of his holiness.

The Vespers Psalm
In the Temple of the LORD All Are Crying, "Glory!"
Ascribe to the LORD, you gods,* ascribe to the LORD glory and strength.
Ascribe to the LORD the glory due his Name;* worship the LORD in the beauty of holiness.
The voice of the LORD is upon the waters; the God of glory thunders;* the LORD is upon the mighty waters.
The voice of the LORD is a powerful voice;* the voice of the LORD is a voice of splendor.
The voice of the LORD breaks the cedar trees;* the LORD breaks the cedars of Lebanon;
He makes Lebanon skip like a calf,* and Mount Hermon like a young wild ox.
The voice of the LORD splits the flames of fire; the voice of the LORD shakes the wilderness;* the LORD shakes the wilderness of Kadesh.
The voice of the LORD makes the oak trees writhe* and strips the forests bare.
And in the temple of the LORD* all are crying, "Glory!"
The LORD sits enthroned above the flood;* the LORD sits enthroned as King for evermore.
The LORD shall give strength to his people;* the LORD shall give his people the blessing of peace.

The Refrain
Sing to the LORD, you servants of his;* give thanks for the remembrance of his holiness.

The Lord's Prayer

The Prayer Appointed for the Day
Assist me mercifully with your help, O Lord God of our salvation, that I may enter with joy upon the contemplation of those mighty acts, whereby you have given us life and immortality; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. †

The Concluding Prayer of the Church
Almighty and everliving God, in your tender love for the human race you sent your Son our Savior Jesus Christ to take upon him our nature, and to suffer death upon the cross, giving us the example of his great humility: Mercifully grant that I may walk in the way of his suffering, and also share in his resurrec-tion; through Jesus Christ my Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen. †


Monday of Holy Week





The Call to Prayer
Let my mouth be full of your praise* and your glory all the day long.
Do not cast me off in my old age;* forsake me not when my strength fails.

The Request for Presence
O LORD, my God, my Savior,* by day and night I cry to you.
Let my prayer enter into your presence.

The Greeting
Show me your ways, O LORD,* and teach me your paths.
Lead me in your truth and teach me,* for you are the God of my salvation; in you have I trusted all the day long.

The Refrain for the Morning Lessons
Deliverance belongs to the LORD.* Your blessing be upon your people!

A Reading
Now it happened that when he was near Bethpage and Bethany, close by the Mount of Olives as it is called, he sent two of the disciples, saying, 'Go to the village opposite, and as you enter it you will find a tethered colt that no one has ever yet ridden. Untie it and bring it here. If anyone asks you, "Why are you untying it?" you are to say this, "The Master needs it." ’ The messengers went off and found everything just as he had told them. As they were untying the colt, its owner said, 'Why are you untying it?’ and they answered, 'The Master needs it.’ So they took the colt to Jesus and throwing their cloaks upon its back, they lifted Jesus onto it. As he moved off, they spread their cloaks in the road, and now, as he was approaching the downward slope of the Mount of Olives, the whole group of disciples joyfully began to praise God at the top of their voices for all the miracles they had seen. They cried out: Blessed is he who is coming as King in the name of the Lord! Peace in heaven and glory in the highest heavens! Some Pharisees in the crowd said to him, 'Master, reprove your disci-ples,' but he answered, 'I tell you, if these keep silence, the stones will cry out.'

The Refrain
Deliverance belongs to the LORD.* Your blessing be upon your people!

The Morning Psalm
Give Me the Joy of Your Saving Health
Create in me a clean heart, O God,* and renew a right spirit within me.
Cast me not away from your presence* and take not your holy Spirit from me.
Give me the joy of your saving help again* and sustain me with your bountiful Spirit.
I shall teach your ways to the wicked,* and sinners shall return to you.

The Refrain
Deliverance belongs to the LORD.* Your blessing be upon your people!

The Gloria*

The Lord's Prayer

The Prayer Appointed for the Week
Almighty God, who through your only-begotten Son Jesus Christ overcame death and opened to us the gate of everlasting life: Grant that I, who celebrate with joy the day of the Lord’s resurrection, may be raised from the death of sin by your life-giving Spirit; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen. †

The Concluding Prayer of the Church
Lord God, almighty and everlasting Father, you have brought me in safety to this new day: Preserve me with your mighty power, that I may not fall into sin, nor be overcome by adversity; and in all I do direct me to the fulfilling of your pur-pose; through Jesus Christ my Lord. Amen. †





The Call to Prayer
Praise the LORD,O my soul!* I will praise the LORD as long as I live; I will sing praises to God while I have my being.

The Request for Presence
Bow your heavens, O LORD, and come down;* touch the mountains, and they shall smoke.

Hurl the lightning and scatter them;* shoot out your arrows and rout them. Stretch out your hand from on high;* rescue me and deliver me from the great waters, from the hand of foreign peoples.

The Greeting
To you I lift up my eyes,* to you enthroned in the heavens.
As the eyes of the servants look to the hand of their masters,* and the eyes of a maid to the hand of her mistress,
So our eyes look to the LORD our God,* until he shows us his mercy.

The Refrain for the Midday Lessons
Praise the LORD, you that fear him;* stand in awe of him, O offspring of Israel; all you of Jacob’s line, give glory.

A Reading
Let this mind be in you,
which was also in Christ Jesus:
Who, being in the form of God,
thought it not robbery to be equal with God:
But made himself of no reputation,
and took upon him the form of a servant,
and was made in the likeness of men:
And being found in fashion as a man,
he humbled himself,
became obedient unto death,
even the death of the cross.
Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him,
and given him a name which is above every name:
That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow,
of things in heaven,
and things in earth,
and things under the earth;
And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is LORD,
to the glory of God the Father.

The Refrain
Praise the LORD, you that fear him;* stand in awe of him, O offspring of Israel; all you of Jacob’s line, give glory.

The Midday Psalm
The Sacrifice of God Is a Troubled Spirit
Deliver me from death, O God,* and my tongue shall sing of your righteousness, O God of my salvation.

Open my lips, O Lord,* and my mouth shall proclaim your praise.
Had you desired it, I would have offered sacrifice,* but you take no delight in burnt-offerings.
The sacrifice of God is a troubled spirit;* a broken and contrite heart, O God, you will not despise.

The Refrain
Praise the LORD, you that fear him;* stand in awe of him, O offspring of Israel; all you of Jacob’s line, give glory.

The Cry of the Church
Lord, have mercy on us. Christ, have mercy on us. Lord, have mercy on us.

The Lord’s Prayer

The Prayer Appointed for the Week
Almighty God, who through your only-begotten Son Jesus Christ overcame death and opened to us the gate of everlasting life: Grant that I, who celebrate with joy the day of the Lord’s resurrection, may be raised from the death of sin by your life-giving Spirit; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen. †

The Concluding Prayer of the Church
Almighty and everlasting God, who willed that our Savior should take upon Him, our flesh and suffer death upon the Cross, that all mankind should follow the example of His great humility, mercifully grant that I may both follow the example of His patience and also partake of His resurrection. Through the same Jesus Christ. Amen.





The Call to Prayer
The righteous will be glad ...
And they will say, "Surely, there is a reward for the righteous;* surely, there is a God who rules in the earth."

The Request for Presence
Deliver me from death, O God,* and my tongue shall sing of your righteousness, O God of my salvation.

The Greeting
To you, O LORD,I lift up my soul;* my God, I put my trust in you.

The Hymn
Were You There
Were you there when they crucified my Lord?
Were you there when they crucified my Lord?
Oh! Sometimes it causes me to tremble, tremble, tremble.
Were you there when they crucified my Lord?
Were you there when they nailed him to the tree?
Were you there when they nailed him to the tree?
Oh! Sometimes it causes me to tremble, tremble, tremble.
Were you there when they nailed him to the tree?
Were you there when they pierced him in the side?
Were you there when they pierced him in the side?
Oh! Sometimes it causes me to tremble, tremble, tremble.
Were you there when they pierced him in the side?
Were you there when they laid him in the tomb?
Were you there when they laid him in the tomb?
Oh! Sometimes it causes me to tremble, tremble, tremble.
Were you there when they laid him in the tomb?

The Refrain for the Vespers Lessons
Make me hear of joy and gladness,* that the body you have broken may rejoice.

The Vespers Psalm
Having You I Desire Nothing Upon Earth
Whom have I in heaven but you?* and having you I desire nothing upon earth.
Though my flesh and heart should waste away,* God is the strength of my heart and my portion for ever.

Truly, those who forsake you will perish;* you destroy all who are unfaithful.
But it is good for me to be near God;* I have made the Lord GOD my refuge.
The Refrain
Make me hear of joy and gladness,* that the body you have broken may rejoice.

The Gloria*

The Lord’s Prayer

The Prayer Appointed for the Week
Almighty God, who through your only-begotten Son Jesus Christ overcame death and opened to us the gate of everlasting life: Grant that I, who celebrate with joy the day of the Lord’s resurrection, may be raised from the death of sin by your life-giving Spirit; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen. †

The Concluding Prayer of the Church
Save me, O Lord, while I am awake, and keep me while I sleep that I may wake in Christ and rest in peace.

Tuesday of Holy Week





The Call to Prayer
God has gone up with a shout,* the LORD with the sound of the ram’s horn.
Sing praises to God, sing praises;* sing praises to our King, sing praises.
For God is King of all the earth;* sing praises with all your skill.
God reigns over the nation;* God sits upon his holy throne..

The Request for Presence
Early in the morning I cry out to you,* for in your word is my trust.

The Greeting
Not to us, O LORD, not to us, but to your Name give glory;* because of your love and because of your faithfulness.

The Refrain for the Morning Lessons
For lo, your enemies, O LORD, lo, your enemies shall perish,* and all the workers of iniquity shall be scattered.

A Reading
So they reached Jerusalem and he went into the Temple and began driving out the men selling and buying there; he upset the tables of the moneychangers and the seats of the dove sellers. Nor would he allow anyone to carry anything through the Temple. And he taught them and said, ‘Does not scripture say: My house will be called a house of prayer for all peoples? But you have turned into a bandits’ den.’ This came to the ears of the chief priests and the scribes, and they tried to find some way of doing away with him; they were afraid of him because the people were carried away by his teaching. And when evening came he went out of the city.

The Refrain
For lo, your enemies, O LORD, lo, your enemies shall perish,* and all the workers of iniquity shall be scattered.

The Morning Psalm
In Your Light We See Light
Your love, O LORD, reaches to the heavens,* and your faithfulness to the clouds.
Your righteousness is like the strong mountains, your justice like the great deep;* you save both man and beast, O LORD.
How priceless is your love, O God!* your people take refuge under the shadow of your wings.
They feast upon the abundance of your house;* you give them drink from the river of your delights.
For with you is the well of life,* and in your light we see light.
Continue your loving-kindness to those who know you,* and your favor to those who are true of heart.

The Refrain
For lo, your enemies, O LORD, lo, your enemies shall perish,* and all the workers of iniquity shall be scattered.

The Short Verse
‘I am the Alpha and the Omega’ says the Lord God, ‘who is, who was, and who is to come, the Almighty.’


The Lord's Prayer

The Prayer Appointed for the Week
Almighty God, who through your only-begotten Son Jesus Christ overcame death and opened to us the gate of everlasting life: Grant that I, who celebrate with joy the day of the Lord’s resurrection, may be raised from the death of sin by your life-giving Spirit; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen. †

The Concluding Prayer of the Church
Lord God, almighty and everlasting Father, you have brought me in safety to this new day: Preserve me with your mighty power, that I may not fall into sin, nor be overcome by adversity; and in all I do direct me to the fulfilling of your purpose; through Jesus Christ my Lord. Amen. †





The Call to Prayer
I will call upon God,* and the LORD will deliver me. In the evening, in the morning, and at the noonday, I will complain and lament,* and he will hear my voice.
He will bring me safely back*...God, who is enthroned of old, will hear me.

The Request for Presence
I have gone astray like a sheep that is lost;* search for your servant, for I do not forget your commandments.

The Greeting
When your word goes forth it gives light;* it gives understanding to the simple.

The Refrain for the Midday Lessons
He will not let your foot be moved* and he who watches over you will not fall asleep.

A Reading
We had all gone astray like sheep, each taking his own way, and YAHWEH brought the acts of rebellion of all of us to bear on him. Ill-treated and afflicted, he never opened his mouth, like a lamb led to the slaughter-house, like a sheep dumb before its shearers he never opened his mouth.

The Refrain
He will not let your foot be moved* and he who watches over you will not fall asleep.

The Midday Psalm
The LORD Will Not Abandon His People
How long shall the wicked, O LORD,* how long shall the wicked triumph? They bluster in their insolence;* all evildoers are full of boasting.
They crush your people, O LORD,* and afflict your chosen nation.
They murder the widow and the stranger* and put the orphans to death.
Yet they say, “The LORD does not see,* the God of Jacob takes no notice.”
Consider well, you dullards among the people;* when will you fools understand?
He that planted the ear, does he not hear?* he that formed the eye, does he not see?
He who admonishes the nations, will he not punish?* he who teaches all the world, has he no knowledge?
The LORD knows our human thoughts;* how like a puff of wind they are.
Happy are they whom you instruct, O Lord!* whom you teach out of your law;
To give them rest in evil days,* until a pit is dug for the wicked.
For the LORD will not abandon his people,* nor will he forsake his own.
For judgment will again be just,* and all the true of heart will follow it.

The Refrain
He will not let your foot be moved* and he who watches over you will not fall asleep.

The Gloria

The Lord’s Prayer

The Prayer Appointed for the Week
Almighty God, who through your only-begotten Son Jesus Christ overcame death and opened to us the gate of everlasting life: Grant that I, who celebrate with joy the day of the Lord’s resurrection, may be raised from the death of sin by your life-giving Spirit; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen. †

The Concluding Prayer of the Church
O God, by the passion of your blessed Son you made an instrument of shameful death to be for us the means of life: Grant me so to glory in the cross of Christ, that I may gladly suffer shame and loss for the sake of your Son our Savior Jesus Christ; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen. †




The Call to Prayer
O tarry, and await the LORD’s pleasure; be strong, and he shall comfort your heart;* wait patiently for the LORD.

The Request for Presence
Show us your mercy, O LORD,* and grant us your salvation.

The Greeting
For you are my hope, O Lord GOD,* my confidence since I was young. I have been sustained by you ever since I was born; from my mother’s womb you have been my strength;* my praise shall be always of you.

The Hymn
Descend, O Spirit, purging flame,
Brand us this day with Jesus’ Name!
Confirm our faith, consume our doubt;
Sign us as Christ’s, within, without.
Forbid us not this second birth;
Grant unto us the greater worth!
Enlist us in your service, Lord;
Baptize all nations with your Word.

The Refrain for the Vespers Lessons
For one day in your courts is better than a thousand in my own room,* and to stand at the threshold of the house of my God than to dwell in the tents of the wicked.

The Vespers Psalm
My Eyes Have Failed from Looking for My God
Save me, O God,* for the waters have risen up to my neck.
I am sinking in deep mire,* and there is no firm ground for my feet.
I have come into deep waters,* and the torrent washes over me.
I have grown weary with my crying; my throat is inflamed;* my eyes have failed from looking for my God.
Those who hate me without a cause are more than the hairs of my head; my lying foes who would destroy me are mighty.*

The Refrain
For one day in your courts is better than a thousand in my own room,* and to stand at the threshold of the house of my God than to dwell in the tents of the wicked.
The Gloria*

The Lord’s Prayer

The Prayer Appointed for the Week
Almighty God, who through your only-begotten Son Jesus Christ overcame death and opened to us the gate of everlasting life: Grant that I, who celebrate with joy the day of the Lord’s resurrection, may be raised from the death of sin by your life-giving Spirit; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen. †

The Concluding Prayer of the Church
Grant me and all of your people the gift of your Spirit, that we may know Christ and make him known; and through him, at all times and in all places, may give thanks to you in all things. Amen. †

Wednesday of Holy Week





The Call to Prayer
Blessed be the LORD, the God of Israel,* from everlasting and to everlasting;* and let all the people say, “Amen!”

The Request for Presence
O God of hosts,* show the light of your countenance, and we shall be saved.

The Greeting
Let them know that this is your hand, that you, O LORD, have done it..

The Refrain for the Morning Lessons
Send forth your strength, O God;* establish, O God, what you have wrought for us.

A Reading
It was two days before the Passover and the feasts of Unleavened Bread, and the chief priests and the scribes were looking for a way to arrest Jesus by some trick and have him put to death. For they said, ‘It must not be during the festivities, or there will be a disturbance among the people.’ He was at Bethany in the house of Simon, a man who had suffered from a virulent skin-disease; he was at table when a woman came with an alabaster jar of very costly ointment, pure nard. She broke the jar and poured the ointment on his head. Some who were there said to one another indignantly, ‘Why this waste of ointment? Ointment like this could have been sold for over three hundred denarii and the money given to the poor’; and they were angry with her. But Jesus said, ‘Leave her alone. Why are you upsetting her? What she has done for me is a good work. You have the poor with you always, and you can be kind to them when-ever you wish, but you will not always have me. She has done what she could: she has anointed my body beforehand for its burial. In truth I tell you, wher-ever throughout all the world the gospel is proclaimed, what she has done will be told as well, in remembrance of her.’ Judas Iscariot, one of the Twelve, approached the chief priests with an offer to hand Jesus over to them. They were delighted to hear it, and promised to give him money; and he began to look for a way of betraying him when the opportunity should occur.

The Refrain
Send forth your strength, O God;* establish, O God, what you have wrought for us.

The Morning Psalm
Your Testimonies Are Very Sure
The waters have lifted up, O LORD, the waters have lifted up their voice;* the waters have lifted up their pounding waves.
Mightier than the sound of many waters, mightier than the breakers of the sea,* mightier is the LORD who dwells on high.
Your testimonies are very sure,* and holiness adorns your house, O LORD, for ever and for evermore.

The Refrain
Send forth your strength, O God;* establish, O God, what you have wrought for us.

The Gloria

The Lord's Prayer

The Prayer Appointed for the Week
Almighty God, who through your only-begotten Son Jesus Christ overcame death and opened to us the gate of everlasting life: Grant that I, who celebrate with joy the day of the Lord’s resurrection, may be raised from the death of sin by your life-giving Spirit; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen. †

The Concluding Prayer of the Church
Lord God, almighty and everlasting Father, you have brought me in safety to this new day: Preserve me with your mighty power, that I may not fall into sin, nor be overcome by adversity; and in all I do direct me to the fulfilling of your purpose; through Jesus Christ my Lord. Amen. †





The Call to Prayer
Know this: The LORD himself is God;* he himself has made us, and we are his; we are his people and the sheep of his pasture..

The Request for Presence
Hear the voice of my prayer when I cry out to you,* when I lift up my hands to your holy of holies.

The Greeting
The eyes of all wait upon you, O LORD.*

The Refrain for the Midday Lessons
Tell it out among all the nations: “The LORD is King!* he has made the world so firm that it cannot be moved; he will judge all the peoples with equity.”

A Reading
Lord YAHWEH has given me a disciple’s tongue, for me to know how to give a word of comfort to the weary. Morning by morning he makes my ear alert to listen like a disciple. Lord YAHWEH has opened my ear and I have not resisted, I have not turned away. I have offered my back to those who struck me, my cheeks to those who plucked my beard; I have not turned my face away from insult and spitting. Lord YAHWEH comes to my help, this is why insult has not touched me, this is why I have my face like flint and know that I shall not be put to shame. Which of you fears YAHWEH and listens to his servant’s voice? Which of you walks in darkness and sees no light? Let him trust in the name of YAHWEH and lean on his God!

The Refrain
Tell it out among all the nations: “The LORD is King!* he has made the world so firm that it cannot be moved; he will judge all the peoples with equity.”

The Midday Psalm
There Is No End to His Greatness
Great is the LORD and greatly to be praised;* there is no end to his greatness.
One generation shall praise your works to another* and shall declare your power.
I will ponder the glorious splendor of your majesty* and all your marvelous works.
They shall speak of the might of your wondrous acts,* and I will tell of your greatness.
They shall publish the remembrance of your great goodness;* they shall sing of your righteous deeds.

The Refrain
Tell it out among all the nations: “The LORD is King!* he has made the world so firm that it cannot be moved; he will judge all the peoples with equity.”

The Small Verse

Happy are the people whose strength is in you!* whose hearts are set on the pilgrims’ way,
For one day in your courts is better than a thousand in my own room,* and to stand at the threshold of the house of my God than to dwell in the tents of the wicked.
The Lord’s Prayer

The Prayer Appointed for the Week
Almighty God, who through your only-begotten Son Jesus Christ overcame death and opened to us the gate of everlasting life: Grant that I, who celebrate with joy the day of the Lord’s resurrection, may be raised from the death of sin by your life-giving Spirit; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen. †

The Concluding Prayer of the Church
Lord God, whose blessed Son our Savior gave his body to be whipped and his face to be spit upon: Give me the grace to accept joyfully the sufferings of the present time, confident of the glory that shall be revealed; through Jesus Christ your Son my Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen. †




The Call to Prayer
The LORD is near to those who call upon him,* to all who call upon him faithfully.

The Request for Presence
Protect me, O God, for I take refuge in you;* I have said to the LORD,“You are my Lord, my good above all other.”

The Greeting
How deep I find your thoughts, O God!* how great is the sum of them!

The Hymn
In the Cross of Christ I Glory
In the cross of Christ I glory, towering over the wrecks of time;
All the light of sacred story gathers round its head sublime.
When the woes of life overtake me, hopes deceive, and fears annoy,
Never shall the cross forsake me. Lo! It glows with peace and joy.
When the sun of bliss is beaming light and love upon my way,
From the cross the radiance streaming adds more luster to the day.
Bane and blessing, pain and pleasure, by the cross are sanctified;
Peace is there that knows no measure, joys that through all time abide.
In the cross of Christ I glory, towering over the wrecks of time;
All the light of sacred story gathers round its head sublime.

The Refrain for the Vespers Lessons
I will bear witness that the LORD is righteous;* I will praise the Name of the LORD Most High.

The Vespers Psalm
They Shall Make Known to a People Yet Unborn
All the ends of the earth shall remember and turn to the LORD,* and all the families of the nations shall bow before him.
For kingship belongs to the LORD;* he rules over the nations.
To him alone all who sleep in the earth bow down in worship;* all who go down to the dust fall before him.
My soul shall live for him; my descendants shall serve him;* they shall be known as the LORD’s forever.
They shall come and make known to a people yet unborn* the saving deeds that he has done.

The Refrain
I will bear witness that the LORD is righteous;* I will praise the Name of the LORD Most High.
The Cry of the Church

Even so, come Lord Jesus!

The Lord’s Prayer

The Prayer Appointed for the Week
Almighty God, who through your only-begotten Son Jesus Christ overcame death and opened to us the gate of everlasting life: Grant that I, who celebrate with joy the day of the Lord’s resurrection, may be raised from the death of sin by your life-giving Spirit; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen. †

The Concluding Prayer of the Church
O God, who willed that Your Son should undergo for us the ignominy of the Cross to deliver us from the power of the enemy, grant to me Your servant, that I may obtain the grace of His resurrection. Through the same Jesus Christ. Amen.

Maundy Thursday





The Call to Prayer
Those who trust in the LORD are like Mount Zion,* which cannot be moved, but stands fast forever.
The hills stand about Jerusalem;* so does the LORD stand round about his people, from this time forth for evermore.

The Request for Presence
Make me understand the way of your commandments,* that I may meditate on your marvelous works.

The Greeting
Remember your word to your servant,* because you have given me hope.
This is my comfort in my trouble,* that your promise gives me life.

The Refrain for the Morning Lessons
Do not let your hearts be troubled. You trust in God, trust also in me.

A Reading
Before the festival of Passover, Jesus, knowing that his hour had come to pass from this world to the Father, having loved those who were his in the world, loved them to the end. They were at supper, and the devil had already put it into the mind of Judas Iscariot, son of Simon, to betray him. Jesus knew that the Father had put everything into his hands, and that he had come from God and was returning to God, and he got up from the table, removed his outer garments, and, taking a towel, wrapped it around his waist; he poured water into a basin and began to wash the disciples’ feet and to wipe them with the towel he was wearing. He came to Simon Peter, who said to him, ‘Lord, are you going to wash my feet?’ Jesus answered, ‘At the moment you do not know what I am doing, but later you will understand.’ ‘Never!’ said Peter, ‘You shall never wash my feet.’ Jesus replied, ‘If I do not wash you, you can have no share with me.’ Simon Peter said, ‘Well then, not only my feet, but my hands and my head as well!’ Jesus said, ‘No one who has had a bath needs washing, such a person is clean all over. You too are clean, though not all of you are.’ He knew who was going to betray him, and that was why he said, ‘though not all of you are.’ When he had washed their feet and put on his outer garments again he went back to the table. ‘Do you understand,’ he said, ‘what I have done to you? You call me Master and Lord, and rightly, so I am. If I then, the Lord and Master, have washed your feet, you must wash each other’s feet. I have given you an example so that you may copy what I have done to you.’

The Refrain
Do not let your hearts be troubled. You trust in God, trust also in me.

The Morning Psalm
That the Generation to Come Might Put Their Trust in God
Hear my teaching, O my people;* incline your ears to the words of my mouth.
I will open my mouth in a parable;* I will declare the mysteries of ancient times.
That which we have heard and known, and what our forefathers have told us,* we will not hide from their children.
We will recount to generations to come the praiseworthy deeds and the power of the LORD,* and the wonderful works he has done.
He gave his decrees to Jacob and established a law for Israel,* which he commanded them to teach their children;
That the generations to come might know, and the children yet unborn;* that they in their turn might tell it to their children;
So that they might put their trust in God,* and not forget the deeds of God, but keep his commandments;
And not be like their forefathers, a stubborn and rebellious generation,* a generation whose heart was not steadfast, and whose spirit was not faithful to God.

The Refrain
Do not let your hearts be troubled. You trust in God, trust also in me.

The Cry of the Church
In the evening, in the morning, and at noonday, I will complain and lament,* and he will hear my voice.

The Lord's Prayer

The Prayer Appointed for the Week
Almighty God, who through your only-begotten Son Jesus Christ overcame death and opened to us the gate of everlasting life: Grant that I, who celebrate with joy the day of the Lord’s resurrection, may be raised from the death of sin by your life-giving Spirit; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen. †

The Concluding Prayer of the Church
Look down, O Lord, I pray, on all of us, Your Family for whom our Lord Jesus Christ was content to be betrayed and to be delivered into the hands of wicked men, and to suffer the torment of the Cross. Amen.†





The Call to Prayer
“Come now, let us reason together,” says the LORD.

The Request for Presence
Awake, O my God, decree justice;* let the assembly of peoples gather around you.
Let the malice of the wicked come to an end, but establish the righteous;* for you test the mind and heart, O righteous God.

The Greeting
Deliver me, O LORD, by your hand* from those whose portion in life is this world.

The Refrain for the Midday Lessons
The sacrifice of God is a troubled spirit;* a broken and contrite heart, O God, you will not despise.

A Reading
For the tradition I received from the Lord and also handed on to you is that on the night he was betrayed the Lord Jesus took some bread, and after he had given thanks, he broke it, and he said, ‘This is my body, which is slain for you; do this in remembrance of me.’ And in the same way, with the cup after supper, say-ing, ‘This is the cup of the new covenant in my blood. Whenever you drink it, do this in memorial of me.’ Whenever you eat this bread, then, and drink this cup, you are proclaiming the Lord’s death until he comes. Therefore anyone who eats the bread or drinks the cup of the Lord unworthily is answerable for the body and blood of the Lord. Everyone is to examine himself and only then eat of the bread or drink from the cup; because a person who eats and drinks without recognizing the body is eating and drinking his own condemnation.

The Refrain
The sacrifice of God is a troubled spirit;* a broken and contrite heart, O God, you will not despise.

The Midday Psalm
Why, O God, Have You Utterly Cast Us Off
O God, why have you utterly cast us off?* why is your wrath so hot against the sheep of your pasture?
Remember your congregation that you purchased long ago,* the tribe you redeemed to be your inheritance, and Mount Zion where you dwell.
Turn your steps toward the endless ruins;* the enemy has laid waste everything in your sanctuary.
Your adversaries roared in your holy place;* they set up their banners as tokens of victory.
They were like men coming up with axes to a grove of trees;* they broke down all your carved work with hatchets and hammers.
They set fire to your holy place;* they defiled the dwelling-place of your Name and razed it to the ground.
They said to themselves, “Let us destroy them altogether.”* They burned down all the meeting-places of God in the land.
There are no signs for us to see; there is no prophet left;* there is not one among us who knows how long.
How long, O God, will the adversary scoff?* will the enemy blaspheme your Name for ever?
Why do you draw back your hand?* why is your right hand hidden in your bosom?

The Refrain
The sacrifice of God is a troubled spirit;* a broken and contrite heart, O God, you will not despise.

The Cry of the Church
Lord, have mercy on us. Christ, have mercy on us. Lord, have mercy on us.

The Lord’s Prayer

The Prayer Appointed for the Week
Almighty God, who through your only-begotten Son Jesus Christ overcame death and opened to us the gate of everlasting life: Grant that I, who celebrate with joy the day of the Lord’s resurrection, may be raised from the death of sin by your life-giving Spirit; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen. †

The Concluding Prayer of the Church
Almighty Father, whose dear Son, on the night before he suffered, instituted the Sacrament of his Body and Blood: Mercifully grant that I may receive it thank-fully in remembrance of Jesus Christ our Lord, who in these holy mysteries gives us a pledge of eternal life; and who now lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen. †




The Call to Prayer
Come and listen, all you who fear God,* and I will tell you what he has done for me.


The Request for Presence
O God, be not far from me;* come quickly to help me, O my God.


The Greeting
You have showed me great troubles and adversities,* but you will restore my life and bring me up again from the deep places of the earth.

The Hymn
Go to Dark Gethsemane
Go to dark Gethsemane, you that feel the tempter’s power;
Your Redeemer’s conflict see, Watch with him one bitter hour.
Turn not from his griefs away; learn of Jesus Christ to pray.

See him at the judgment hall, beaten, bound, reviled, arraigned;
O the worm-wood and the Gall! O the pangs his soul sustained!
Shun not suffering, shame, or loss; learn of Christ to bear the cross.

Calvary’s mournful mountain climb; there, adoring at his feet,
Mark that miracle of time, God’s own sacrifice complete.
“It is finished!” hear him cry; learn of Jesus Christ to die.

Early hasten to the tomb where they laid his breathless clay;
All is solitude and gloom. Who has taken him away?
Christ is risen! He meets our eyes; Savior, teach us so to rise.


The Refrain for the Vespers Lessons
Deliver me, my God, from the hand of the wicked,* from the clutches of the evil-doer and the oppressor.

The Vespers Psalm
As for Me, I Am Poor and Needy
Be pleased, O God, to deliver me;* O LORD, make haste to help me.
Let those who seek my life be ashamed and altogether dismayed;* let those who take pleasure in my misfortune draw back and be disgraced.
Let those who say to me “Aha!” and gloat over me turn back,* because they are ashamed.
Let all who seek you rejoice and be glad in you;* let those who love your salvation say for ever, “Great is the LORD!”
But as for me, I am poor and needy;* come to me speedily, O God.
You are my helper and my deliverer;* O LORD, do not tarry.


The Refrain
Deliver me, my God, from the hand of the wicked,* from the clutches of the evil-doer and the oppressor.

The Lord’s Prayer

The Prayer Appointed for the Week
Almighty God, who through your only-begotten Son Jesus Christ overcame death and opened to us the gate of everlasting life: Grant that I, who celebrate with joy the day of the Lord’s resurrection, may be raised from the death of sin by your life-giving Spirit; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen. †

The Concluding Prayer of the Church
Almighty and everlasting God, grant that we may celebrate the mysteries of our Lord’s Passion in such a manner as to deserve Your pardon. Through the same Jesus Christ. Amen.

Good Friday





Note: For those singing the words of the Psalter and the hymns of the vesper office, there is in the midst of each line of the Psalms, a small asterisk. On the last syllable before this asterisk, the singer will want to raise his or her monotonal pitch by a single note, just as the last syllable before the end of a line is lowered a note.
The Call to Prayer
I cry out to you, O LORD;* I say, "You are my refuge, my portion in the land of the living."

The Request for Presence
Be my strong rock, a castle to keep me safe;* you are my crag and my stronghold.
The Greeting
O LORD,I cry to you for help;* in the morning my prayer comes before you.
The Refrain for the Morning Lessons
My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?* and are so far from my cry and from the words of my distress?

A Reading
Pilate then had Jesus taken away and scourged; and after this, the soldiers twisted some thorns into a crown and put it on his head and dressed him in a purple robe. They kept coming up to him and saying, 'Hail, king of the Jews!' and slapping him in the face. Pilate came outside again and said to them, 'Look, I am going to bring him out to you to let you see that I find no case against him. The chief priests and the guards shouted, 'Crucify him! Crucify him!' Pilate said, 'Take him yourselves and crucify him: I find no case against him.' The Jews replied, 'We have a Law, and according to that Law he ought to be put to death, because he has claimed to be the Son of God.' ...They [the soldiers] then took charge of Jesus, and carrying his own cross he went out to the Place of the Skull, or as it is called in Hebrew, Golgatha, where they crucified him with two others, one on either side, Jesus being in the middle ...When the sol-diers had finished crucifying Jesus they took his clothing and divided it into four shares, one for each soldier. His undergarment was seamless, woven in one piece from neck to hem; so they said to one another, 'Instead of tearing it, let's throw dice to decide who is to have it.' In this way the words of scripture were fulfilled: They divide my garments among them and cast lots for my clothes. That is what the soldiers did. Near the cross of Jesus stood his mother and his mother's sister, Mary the wife of Clopas, and Mary of Magdela. Seeing his mother and the disciple whom he loved standing near her, Jesus said to his mother, 'Woman, this is your son.' Then to the disciple he said, 'This is your mother.' And from that hour the disciple took her into his home. After this, Jesus knew that everything had now been completed and, so that the scripture should be completely fulfilled, he said: I am thirsty. Ajar full of wine stood there; so putting a sponge in the wine on a hyssop stick, they held it up to his mouth. After Jesus had taken the wine, he said, 'It is fulfilled'; and bowing his head he gave up the spirit.

The Refrain
My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?* and are so far from my cry and from the words of my distress?

The Morning Psalm
I Am Poured Out Like Water
I am poured out like water;* all my bones are out of joint; my heart within my breast is melting wax.
My mouth is dried out like a pot-shard; my tongue sticks to the roof of my mouth;* and you have laid me in the dust of the grave.
Packs of dogs close me in, and gangs of evildoers circle around me;* they pierce my hands and my feet; I can count all my bones.
They stare and gloat over me;* they divide my garments among them; they cast lots for my clothing.
Be not far away, O LORD;* you are my strength; hasten to help me.
Save me from the sword,* my life from the power of the dog.
Save me from the lion's mouth,* my wretched body from the horns of wild bulls. I will declare your Name to my brethren;* in the midst of the congregation I will praise you.

The Refrain
My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?* and are so far from my cry and from the words of my distress?

The Cry of the Church
O God, come to my assistance! O Lord, make haste to help me!

The Lord's Prayer

The Prayer Appointed for the Week
Almighty God, who through your only-begotten Son Jesus Christ overcame death and opened to us the gate of everlasting life: Grant that I, who celebrate with joy the day of the Lord's resurrection, may be raised from the death of sin by your life-giving Spirit; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen. †

The Concluding Prayer of the Church
O God, you sent Christ Jesus to be my shepherd and the lamb of sacrifice. Help me to embrace the mystery of salvation, the promise of life rising out of death. Help me to hear the call of Christ and give me the courage to follow it readily that I, too, may lead others to you. This I ask through Jesus, my shepherd and guide.






The Call to Prayer
The LORD will make good his purpose for me;* O LORD, your love endures for ever; do not abandon the works of your hands.

The Request for Presence
I spread out my hands to you;* my soul gasps to you like a thirsty land.
O LORD, make haste to answer me; my spirit fails me;* do not hide your face from me or I shall be like those who go down to the Pit.

The Greeting
Remember your word to your servant,* because you have given me hope. This is my comfort in my trouble,* that your promise gives me life.

The Refrain for the Midday Lessons
For God alone my soul in silence waits;* from him comes my salvation.

A Reading
Forcibly, after sentence, he was taken. Which of his contemporaries was con-cerned at his having been cut off from the land of the living, at his having been struck dead for his people's rebellion? He was given a grave with the wicked, and his tomb is with the rich, although he had done no violence, had spoken no deceit. It was YAHWEH's good pleasure to crush him with pain; if he gives his life as a sin offering, he will see his offspring and prolong his life, and through him YAHWEH's good pleasure will be done. After the ordeal he has endured, he will see the light and be content. By his knowledge, the upright one, my servant will justify many by taking their guilt on himself. Hence I shall give him a portion with the many, and he will share the body with the mighty, for having exposed himself to death and for being counted as one of the rebellious, whereas he was bearing the sin of many and interceding for the rebellious.

The Refrain
For God alone my soul in silence waits;* from him comes my salvation.

The Midday Psalm
Be Not Far from Me, for Trouble Is Near
But as for me, I am a worm and no man,* scorned by all and despised by the people.
All who see me laugh me to scorn;* they curl their lips and wag their heads, saying,
"He trusted in the LORD; let him deliver him;* let him rescue him, if he delights in him."
Yet you are he who took me out of the womb,* and kept me safe upon my mother's breast.
I have been entrusted to you ever since I was born;* you were my God when I was still in my mother's womb.
Be not far from me, for trouble is near,* and there is none to help.

The Refrain
For God alone my soul in silence waits;* from him comes my salvation.

The Cry of the Church
Remember me, Lord, when You come into Your kingdom.

The Lord's Prayer

The Prayer Appointed for the Week
Almighty God, who through your only-begotten Son Jesus Christ overcame death and opened to us the gate of everlasting life: Grant that I, who celebrate with joy the day of the Lord's resurrection, may be raised from the death of sin by your life-giving Spirit; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen. †

The Concluding Prayer of the Church
Almighty God, I pray you graciously to behold those who are your family, for whom our Lord Jesus Christ was willing to be betrayed, and given into the hands of sinners, and to suffer death upon the cross; who now lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.





The Call to Prayer
I will call upon God,* and the LORD will deliver me.
In the evening, in the morning, and at the noonday, I will complain and lament,* and he will hear my voice.
He will bring me safely back ...God, who is enthroned of old, will hear me.

The Request for Presence
Teach me your way, O LORD, and I will walk in your truth;* knit my heart to you that I may fear your Name.

The Greeting
To you, O LORD,I lift up my soul;* my God, I put my trust in you.

The Hymn
When I Survey the Wondrous Cross
When I survey the wondrous cross on which the Prince of Glory died,
My richest gain I count but loss, and pour contempt on all my pride.

Forbid it, Lord, that I should boast, save in the death of Christ, my God;
All the vain things that charm me most, I sacrifice them to his blood.

See, from his head, his hands, his feet, sorrow and love flow mingled down.
Did ever such love and sorrow meet, or thorns compose so rich a crown?

Were the whole realm of nature mine, that were an offering far too small;
Love so amazing, so divine, demands my soul, my life, my all.

The Refrain for the Vespers Lessons
And now, what is my hope?* O Lord, my hope is in you.

The Vespers Psalm
At the Time You Have Set, O LORD
Surely, for your sake have I suffered reproach,* and shame has covered my face.
I have become a stranger to my own kindred,* an alien to my mother's children.
Zeal for your house has eaten me up;* the scorn of those who scorn you has fallen upon me.
I humbled myself with fasting,* but that was turned to my reproach.
I put on sack-cloth also,* and became a byword among them.
Those who sit at the gate murmur against me,* and the drunkards make songs about me.
But as for me, this is my prayer to you,* at the time you have set, O LORD:
"In your great mercy, O God,* answer me with your unfailing help.
Save me from the mire; do not let me sink;* let me be rescued from those who hate me and out of the deep waters.
Let not the torrent of waters wash over me, neither let the deep swallow me up;* do not let the Pit shut its mouth upon me.
Answer me, O LORD, for your love is kind;* in your great compassion, turn to me."

The Refrain
And now, what is my hope?* O Lord, my hope is in you.

The Cry of the Church

O God, come to my assistance! O Lord, make haste to help me!

The Lord's Prayer

The Prayer Appointed for the Week

Almighty God, who through your only-begotten Son Jesus Christ overcame death and opened to us the gate of everlasting life: Grant that I, who celebrate with joy the day of the Lord's resurrection, may be raised from the death of sin by your life-giving Spirit; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen. †

The Concluding Prayer of the Church
Almighty and everlasting God, who willed that our Savior should take our flesh and suffer death upon the Cross, that all mankind should follow the example of His great humility, mercifully grant that I may both follow the example of His patience and also be made a partaker of His resurrection. Through the same Jesus Christ. Amen.

Holy Saturday





The Call to Prayer
Be strong and let your heart take courage,* all you who wait for the LORD.

The Request for Presence
In your righteousness, deliver and set me free;* incline your ear to me and save me.
The Greeting
O LORD,I am your servant;* I am your servant and the child of your handmaid;
My times are in your hand.*
The Refrain for the Morning Lessons
I said in my alarm, "I have been cut off from the sight of your eyes."*
Nevertheless, you heard the sound of my entreaty when I cried out to you.

A Reading
It was the Day of Preparation, and to avoid the bodies' remaining on the cross during the Sabbath-since that Sabbath was a day of special solemnity-the Jews asked Pilate to have the legs broken and the bodies taken away. Consequently the soldiers came and broke the legs of the first man who had been crucified with him and then of the other. When they came to Jesus, they saw that he was already dead, so instead of breaking his legs, one of the sol-diers pierced his side with a lance; and immediately there came out blood and water. This is the evidence of one who saw it-true evidence, and he knows that what he says is true-and he gives it so that you may believe as well. Because all this happened to fulfill the words of scripture: Not one bone of his will be broken; and again, in another place scripture says: They will look to the one whom they have pierced. After this, Joseph of Arimathaea, who was a disciple of Jesus-though a secret one because he was afraid of the Jews-asked Pilate to let him remove the body of Jesus. Pilate gave permission, so they came and took it away. Nicodemus came as well-the same one who had first come to Jesus at night-time-and he brought a mixture of myrrh and aloes, weighing about a hundred pounds. They took the body of Jesus and bound it in linen cloths with the spices, following the Jewish burial custom. At the place where he had been crucified there was a garden, and in this garden a new tomb in which no one had yet been buried. Since it was the Jewish Day of Preparation and the tomb was near by, they laid Jesus there.

The Refrain
I said in my alarm, "I have been cut off from the sight of your eyes."*
Nevertheless, you heard the sound of my entreaty when I cried out to you.

The Morning Psalm
Into Your Hands I Commend My Spirit
In you, O LORD, have I taken refuge; let me never be put to shame;* deliver me in your righteousness.
Incline your ear to me;* make haste to deliver me.
Be my strong rock, a castle to keep me safe, for you are my crag and my stronghold;* for the sake of your Name, lead me and guide me.
Take me out of the net that they have secretly set for me,* for you are my tower of strength.
Into your hands I commend my spirit,* for you have redeemed me, O LORD,O God of truth.

The Refrain
I said in my alarm, "I have been cut off from the sight of your eyes."*
Nevertheless, you heard the sound of my entreaty when I cried out to you.

The Gloria*

The Lord's Prayer

The Prayer Appointed for the Week
Almighty God, who through your only-begotten Son Jesus Christ overcame death and opened to us the gate of everlasting life: Grant that I, who celebrate with joy the day of the Lord's resurrection, may be raised from the death of sin by your life-giving Spirit; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen. +

The Concluding Prayer of the Church
O God, at whose passion, according to the prophesy of Simeon, a sword of sorrow pierced the sweet soul of the glorious Virgin and Mother Mary, grant in Your mercy that we, when remembering her pierced soul, through the merits and prayers of all the Saints faithfully standing by Your Cross, may obtain the blessed result of Your Passion. Through our Lord. Amen.





The Call to Prayer
My merciful God comes to meet me;* God will let me look in triumph on my enemies.

The Request for Presence
O LORD, give victory to the king* and answer us when we call.

The Greeting
LORD, hear my prayer, and in your faithfulness heed my supplications;* answer me in your righteousness.

The Refrain for the Midday Lessons
Blessed be the LORD God of Israel,* from age to age. Amen. Amen.

A Reading
There is always hope for a tree: when felled, it can start its life again; its shoots continue to sprout. Its roots may have grown old in the earth, its stump rotting in the ground, but let it scent the water and it buds, and puts out branches like a plant newly set. But a human being? He dies, and dead he remains, breathes his last, and then where is he? The waters of the sea will vanish, the rivers stop flowing and run dry: a human being, once laid to rest, will never rise again, the heavens will wear out before he wakes up, or before he is roused from his sleep. Will no one hide me in Sheol, and shelter me there till your anger is past, fixing a certain day for calling me to mind-can the dead come back to life?- day after day of my service, I should be waiting for my relief to come. Then you would call, and I should answer, you would want to see once more what you have made. Whereas now you count every step I take, you would then stop spying on my sin; you would seal up my crime in a bag, and put a cover over my fault. Alas! Just as, eventually, the mountain falls down, the rock moves from its place, water wears away the stones, the cloudburst erodes the soil; so you destroy whatever hope a person has. You crush him once and for all, and he is gone; first you disfigure him, then you dismiss him. His children may rise to honors-he does not know it; they may come down in the world- he does not care. He feels no pangs, except for his own body, makes no lament, except for his own self.

The Refrain
Blessed be the LORD God of Israel,* from age to age. Amen. Amen.

The Midday Psalm
Out of the Depths Have I Called to You
Out of the depths have I called to you, O LORD; LORD, hear my voice;* let your ears consider well the voice of my supplication.
If you, LORD, were to note what is done amiss,* O Lord, who could stand?
For there is forgiveness with you;* therefore you shall be feared.
I wait for the LORD; my soul waits for him;* in his word is my hope.
My soul waits for the LORD, more than watchmen for the morning,* more than watchmen for the morning.
O Israel, wait for the LORD,* for with the LORD there is mercy;
With him there is plenteous redemption,* and he shall redeem Israel from all their sins.

The Refrain
Blessed be the LORD God of Israel,* from age to age. Amen. Amen.

The Gloria*

The Lord's Prayer

The Prayer Appointed for the Week
Almighty God, who through your only-begotten Son Jesus Christ overcame death and opened to us the gate of everlasting life: Grant that I, who celebrate with joy the day of the Lord's resurrection, may be raised from the death of sin by your life-giving Spirit; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen. +

The Concluding Prayer of the Church
O God, Creator of heaven and earth: Grant that, as the crucified body of your dear Son was laid in the tomb and rested on this holy Sabbath, so I may await with him the coming of the third day, and rise with him to newness of life; who now lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen. +





The Call to Prayer
Let the Name of the LORD be blessed,* from this time forth for evermore.
From the rising of the sun to its going down* let the Name of the LORD be praised.

The Request for Presence
Let my cry come before you, O LORD;* give me understanding, according to your word.
Let my supplication come before you;* deliver me, according to your promise.

The Greeting
The Lord is in his holy temple; Let all the earth keep silence before him. Amen.

The Hymn
Take Up Your Cross
Take up your cross, the Savior said,
If you would my disciple be;
Deny yourself, the world forsake,
And humbly follow after me.

Take up your cross, let not its weight
Fill your weak spirit with alarm;
His strength shall bear your spirit up,
Shall brace your heart and nerve your arm.

Take up your cross then in his strength,
And every danger calmly brave,
To guide you to a better home,
And victory over death and grave.

Take up your cross and follow Christ,
Nor think till death to lay it down;
For only he who bears the cross
May hope to wear the glorious crown.

To you, great Lord, the One in three,
All praise for evermore ascend;
O grant us here below to see
The heavenly life that knows no end.

The Refrain for the Vespers Lessons
Those who sowed with tears* will reap with songs of joy.
Those who go out weeping, carrying the seed,* will come again with joy, shouldering their sheaves.

The Vespers Psalm
My Help Comes from the LORD
I lift up my eyes to the hills;* from where is my help to come?
My help comes from the LORD,* the maker of heaven and earth.
He will not let your foot be moved* and he who watches over you will not fall asleep.
Behold, he who keeps watch over Israel* shall neither slumber nor sleep.

The Refrain
Those who sowed with tears* will reap with songs of joy.
Those who go out weeping, carrying the seed,* will come again with joy, shouldering their sheaves.

The Small Verse

Christ is risen. Alleluia!

The Lord's Prayer

The Prayer Appointed for the Week

Almighty God, who through your only-begotten Son Jesus Christ overcame death and opened to us the gate of everlasting life: Grant that I, who celebrate with joy the day of the Lord's resurrection, may be raised from the death of sin by your life-giving Spirit; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen. +

The Concluding Prayer of the Church
Rejoice now, heavenly hosts and choirs of angels, and let your trumpets shout salvation for the victory of our mighty King.
Rejoice and sing now, all the round earth, bright with a glorious splendor, for darkness has been vanquished by our eternal King.
Rejoice and be glad now, Mother Church, and let your holy courts, in radiant light, resound with the praises of your people.

Easter Day





The Call to Prayer
Praise the LORD, all you nations;* laud him, all you peoples.
For his loving-kindness toward us is great,* and the faithfulness of the LORD endures for ever. Hallelujah!

The Request for Presence
I will offer you the sacrifice of thanksgiving* and call upon the Name of the LORD.
I will fulfill my vows to the LORD* in the presence of all his people,
In the courts of the LORD's house,* in the midst of you, O Jerusalem. Hallelujah!

The Greeting
Hosanna, LORD, hosanna!* LORD, send us now success.
Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord;* we bless you from the house of the LORD.
The Refrain for the Morning Lessons
It is better to rely on the LORD* than to put any trust in flesh.
It is better to rely on the LORD* than to put any trust in rulers.

A Reading
After the Sabbath, and towards dawn on the first day of the week, Mary of Magdela and the other Mary went to visit the sepulchre. And suddenly there was a violent earthquake, for an angel of the Lord, descending from heaven, came and rolled away the stone and sat on it. His face was like lightning, his robe white as snow. The guards were so shaken by fear of him that they were like dead men. But the angel spoke; and he said to the women, `There is no need for you to be afraid. I know you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified. He is not here, for he has risen, as he said he would. Come and see the place where he lay, then go quickly and tell his disciples, "He has risen from the dead and now he is going ahead of you to Galilee; that is where you will see him." Look! I have told you.' Filled with awe and great joy the women came quickly away from the tomb and ran to tell his disciples. And suddenly, coming to meet them, was Jesus. `Greetings,' he said. And the women came up to him and, clasping his feet, they did him homage. Then Jesus said to them, `Do not be afraid; go and tell my brothers that they must leave for Galilee; there they will see me.'

The Refrain
It is better to rely on the LORD* than to put any trust in flesh.
It is better to rely on the LORD* than to put any trust in rulers.

The Morning Psalm
I Shall Not Die, but Live
There is a sound of exultation and victory* in the tents of the righteous:
"The right hand of the LORD has triumphed!* the right hand of the LORD is exalted!the right hand of the LORD has triumphed!"
I shall not die, but live,* and declare the works of the LORD.
The LORD has punished me sorely,* but he did not hand me over to death.
Open for me the gates of righteousness;* I will enter them; I will offer thanks to the LORD.
"This is the gate of the LORD;* he who is righteous may enter."
I will give thanks to you, for you answered me* and have become my salvation.
The same stone which the builders rejected* has become the chief cornerstone.
This is the LORD's doing,* and it is marvelous in our eyes.
On this day the LORD has acted;* we will rejoice and be glad in it.

The Refrain
It is better to rely on the LORD* than to put any trust in flesh.
It is better to rely on the LORD* than to put any trust in rulers.

The Cry of the Church

Alleluia. Christ is risen.

The Lord's Prayer

The Prayer Appointed for the Week
Almighty God, who through your only-begotten Son Jesus Christ overcame death and opened to us the gate of everlasting life: Grant that I, who celebrate with joy the day of the Lord's resurrection, may be raised from the death of sin by your life-giving Spirit; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen. +

The Concluding Prayer of the Church
O God, of unchangeable power and eternal light: Look favorably on your whole Church, that wonderful and sacred mystery; by the effectual working of your providence, carry out in tranquility the plan of salvation; let the whole world see and know that things which were cast down are being raised up, and things which had grown old are being made new, and that all things are being brought to their perfection by him through whom all things are made, your Son Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.






The Call to Prayer
Come, let us sing to the LORD;* let us shout for joy to the Rock of our salvation.
Let us come before his presence with thanksgiving* and raise a loud shout to him with psalms.
For the LORD is a great God,* and a great King above all gods.
In his hands are the caverns of the earth,* and the heights of the hills are his also.
The sea is his, for he made it,* and his hands have molded the dry land.

The Request for Presence
May God give us his blessing,* and may all the ends of the earth stand in awe of him.

The Greeting
You, O LORD,are a shield about me;* you are my glory, the one who lifts up my head.
I call aloud upon the LORD,* and he answers me from his holy hill.

The Refrain for the Midday Lessons
May the glory of the LORD endure for ever;* may the LORD rejoice in all his works.

A Reading
The apostle taught us, saying: "We believe that, if we died with Christ, then we shall live with him too. We know that Christ has been raised from the dead and will never die again. Death has no power over him any more. For by dying, he is dead to sin once and for all, and now the life that he lives is life with God. In the same way, you must see yourselves as being dead to sin, but alive for God in Christ Jesus."

The Refrain
May the glory of the LORD endure for ever;* may the LORD rejoice in all his works.

The Midday Psalm
Let Them Praise the Name of the LORD
Praise the LORD from the earth,* you sea-monsters and deeps;
Fire and hail, snow and fog,* tempestuous wind, doing his will;
Mountains and all hills,* fruit trees and all cedars;
Wild beasts and all cattle, creeping things and wingèd birds; Kings of the earth and all peoples,* princes and all rulers of the world;
Young men and maidens,* old and young together.
Let them praise the Name of the LORD,* for his Name only is exalted, his splendor is over earth and heaven.
He raised up strength for his people and praise for all his loyal servants,* the children of Israel, a people who are near him. Hallelujah!

The Refrain
May the glory of the LORD endure for ever;* may the LORD rejoice in all his works.

The Cry of the Church
Christ has died, Christ has risen, Christ will come again!

The Lord's Prayer

The Prayer Appointed for the Week
Almighty God, who through your only-begotten Son Jesus Christ overcame death and opened to us the gate of everlasting life: Grant that I, who celebrate with joy the day of the Lord's resurrection, may be raised from the death of sin by your life-giving Spirit; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen. +

The Concluding Prayer of the Church
O God, who wonderfully created, and yet more wonderfully restored, the dignity of human nature: Grant that I may share the divine life of him who humbled himself to share our humanity, your Son Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. +





The Call to Prayer
Hallelujah! Give praise, you servants of the LORD;* praise the Name of the LORD.

The Request for Presence
I call upon you, O God, for you will answer me;* incline your ear to me, and hear my words.

The Greeting
You are God: I praise you;* you are the Lord: I acclaim you;
You are the eternal Father:* all creation worships you.
Throughout the world the holy Church acclaims you:* Father, of majesty unbounded,
your true and only Son,* worthy of all worship,
and the Holy Spirit,* advocate and guide.
As these have been from the beginning,* so they are now and evermore shall be.
Alleluia.

The Hymn
Christ the Lord Is Risen Today
Christ the Lord is risen today. Alleluia!
Earth and heaven in chorus say, Alleluia!
Raise your joys and triumphs high, Alleluia!
Sing, you heavens, and earth reply, Alleluia!

Love's redeeming work is done, Alleluia!
Fought the fight, the battle won, Alleluia!
Death in vain forbids him rise, Alleluia!
Christ has opened paradise, Alleluia!

Lives again our glorious King, Alleluia!
Where, O death, is now your sting? Alleluia!
Once he died our souls to save, Alleluia!
Where's your victory, boasting grave? Alleluia!

Soar we now where Christ has led, Alleluia!
Following our exalted Head, Alleluia!
Made like him, like him we rise, Alleluia!
Ours the cross, the grave, the skies, Alleluia!

Hail the Lord of earth and heaven, Alleluia!
Praise to you by both be given, Alleluia!
You we greet triumphant now, Alleluia!
Hail the Resurrection, thou, Alleluia!

King of glory, soul of bliss, Alleluia!
Everlasting life is this, Alleluia!
You to know, your power to prove, Alleluia!
Thus to sing, and thus to love, Alleluia!


The Refrain for the Vespers Lessons
We will bless the LORD,* from this time forth for evermore. Hallelujah!

The Vespers Psalm
An Evening Song
I will bless the LORD who gives me counsel;* my heart teaches me, night after night.
I have set the LORD always before me;* because he is at my right hand I shall not fall.
My heart, therefore, is glad, and my spirit rejoices;* my body also shall rest in hope.
For you will not abandon me to the grave,* nor let your holy one see the Pit.
You will show me the path of life;* in your presence is fullness of joy, and in your right hand are pleasures for evermore.

The Refrain
We will bless the LORD,* from this time forth for evermore. Hallelujah!

The Cry of the Church

Alleluia. Christ is risen.
The Lord is risen indeed. Alleluia!

The Lord's Prayer

The Prayer Appointed for the Week

Almighty God, who through your only-begotten Son Jesus Christ overcame death and opened to us the gate of everlasting life: Grant that I, who celebrate with joy the day of the Lord's resurrection, may be raised from the death of sin by your life-giving Spirit; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen. +

The Concluding Prayer of the Church
O God, who for our redemption gave your only-begotten Son to the death of the cross, and by this glorious resurrection delivered us from the power of our enemy: Grant me so to die daily in sin, that I may evermore live with him in the joy of his resurrection; through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen. +

Easter Monday





The Call to Prayer
Rejoice in the LORD, you righteous;* it is good for the just to sing praises. Praise the LORD with the harp;* play to him upon the psaltery and lyre. Sing for him a new song;* sound a fanfare with all your skill upon the trumpet.

The Request for Presence
Let your loving-kindness, O LORD, be upon us,* as we have put our trust in you.

The Greeting
How great is your goodness, O LORD! which you have laid up for those who fear you;* which you have done in the sight of all for those who put their trust in you.
The Refrain for the Morning Lessons
...the loving-kindness of the LORD fills the whole earth.

A Reading
Now that very same day, two of them were on their way to a village called Emmaus, seven miles from Jerusalem, and they were talking together about all that had happened. And it happened that as they were talking together and discussing it, Jesus himself came up and walked by their side; but their eyes were prevented from recognizing him. He said to them, `What are all these things that you are discussing as you walk along?' They stopped, their faces downcast. Then one of them, called Cleopas, answered him, `You must be the only person staying in Jerusalem who does not know the things that have been happening there these last few days.' He asked, `What things?' They answered, `All about Jesus of Nazareth, who showed himself a prophet powerful in action and speech before God and the whole people; and how our chief priests and our leaders handed him over to be sentenced to death, and had him crucified. Our own hope had been that he would be the one to set Israel free. And this is not all: two whole days have now gone by since it all happened; and some women from our group have astounded us: they went to the tomb in the early morning, and when they could not find the body, they came back to tell us they had seen a vision of angels who declared he was alive. Some of our friends went to the tomb and found everything exactly as the women reported, but of him they saw nothing.' Then he said to them, `You foolish men! So slow to believe all that the prophets have said! Was it not necessary that the Christ should suffer before entering into his glory?' Then, starting with Moses and going through all the prophets, he explained to them the passages throughout the scriptures that were about himself. When they drew near to the village to which they were going, he made as if to go on; but they pressed him to stay with them saying, `It is nearly evening, and the day is almost over.' So he went in to stay with them. Now while he was with them at table, he took the bread and said the blessing; then he broke it and handed it to them. And their eyes were opened and they recognized him; but he had vanished from their sight. Then they said to each other, `Did not our hearts burn within us as he talked to us on the road and explained the scriptures to us?' They set out that instant and returned to Jerusalem. There they found the Eleven assembled together with their companions, who said to them, `The Lord has indeed risen and has appeared to Simon.' Then they told their story of what had happened on the road and how they had recognized him at the breaking of bread.

The Refrain
...the loving-kindness of the LORD fills the whole earth.

The Morning Psalm
Happy the Nation Whose God Is the LORD
Let all the earth fear the LORD;* let all who dwell in the world stand in awe of him.
For he spoke, and it came to pass;* he commanded, and it stood fast.
The LORD brings the will of the nations to naught;* he thwarts the designs of the peoples.
But the LORD's will stands fast for ever,* and the designs of his heart from age to age.
Happy is the nation whose God is the LORD!* happy the people he has chosen to be his own!

The Refrain
...the loving-kindness of the LORD fills the whole earth.

The Cry of the Church
Christ has died. Christ has risen. Christ will come again!

The Lord's Prayer

The Prayer Appointed for the Week
Almighty God, who through your only-begotten Son Jesus Christ overcame death and opened to us the gate of everlasting life: Grant that I, who celebrate with joy the day of the Lord's resurrection, may be raised from the death of sin by your life-giving Spirit; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen. +

The Concluding Prayer of the Church
Grant, I pray, Almighty God, that we who celebrate with awe the Paschal feast may be found worthy to attain to everlasting joys; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen. +






The Call to Prayer
Give thanks to the LORD and call upon his Name;* make known his deeds among the peoples.
Sing to him, sing praises to him,* and speak of all his marvelous works.
Glory in his holy Name;* let the hearts of those who seek the LORD rejoice.

The Request for Presence
Teach me your way, O LORD, and I will walk in your truth;* knit my heart to you that I may fear your Name.
I will thank you, O LORD my God, with all my heart,* and glorify your Name for evermore.

The Greeting
My mouth shall recount your mighty acts and saving deeds all the day long;* though I can not know the number of them.

The Refrain for the Midday Lessons
I will confess you among the peoples, O LORD;* I will sing praises to you among the nations.

A Reading
I have been crucified with Christ and yet I am alive; yet it is no longer I, but Christ living in me. The life that I am now living, subject to the limitation of human nature, I am living in faith, faith in the Son of God who loved me and gave himself for me.

The Refrain
I will confess you among the peoples, O LORD;* I will sing praises to you among the nations.

The Midday Psalm
In Your Right Hand Are Pleasures for Evermore
O LORD, you are my portion and my cup;* it is you who uphold my lot.
My boundaries enclose a pleasant land;* indeed, I have a goodly heritage.
I will bless the LORD who gives me counsel;* my heart teaches me, night after night.
I have set the LORD always before me;* because he is at my right hand I shall not fall.
My heart, therefore, is glad, and my spirit rejoices;* my body also shall rest in hope.
For you will not abandon me to the grave,* nor let your holy one see the Pit.
You will show me the path of life;* in your presence there is fullness of joy, and in your right hand are pleasures for evermore.

The Refrain
I will confess you among the peoples, O LORD;* I will sing praises to you among the nations.

The Cry of the Church
Alleluia. Christ is risen.
The Lord is risen indeed. Alleluia.

The Lord's Prayer

The Prayer Appointed for the Week
Almighty God, who through your only-begotten Son Jesus Christ overcame death and opened to us the gate of everlasting life: Grant that I, who celebrate with joy the day of the Lord's resurrection, may be raised from the death of sin by your life-giving Spirit; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen. +

The Concluding Prayer of the Church
Almighty God, who for our redemption gave your only begotten Son to death on the cross, and by his glorious resurrection delivered us from the power of our enemy: Grant me so to die daily in sin that I may evermore live with him in the joy of his resurrection; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen. +





The Call to Prayer
Open my lips, O Lord,* and my mouth shall proclaim your praise.
Had you desired it, I would have offered sacrifice,* but you take no delight in burnt-offerings.
The sacrifice of God is a troubled spirit;* and a broken and contrite heart, O God, you will not despise.

The Request for Presence
Protect me, O God, for I take refuge in you;* I have said to the LORD, "You are my Lord, my good above all other."

The Greeting
I give you thanks, O God, I give you thanks,* calling upon your Name and declaring all your wonderful deeds.


The Hymn
Welcome, Happy Morning
"Welcome, happy morning!" age to age shall say:
hell today is vanquished, heaven is won today!
Lo! The dead is living, God for evermore!
Him their true Creator, all his works adore!

Earth her joy confesses, clothing her for spring,
All fresh gifts returned with her returning King:
Bloom in every meadow, leaves on every bough,
Speak his sorrow ended, hail his triumph now.

Months in due succession, days of lengthening light,
Hours and passing moments praise you in their flight,
Brightness of the morning, sky and fields and sea,
Vanquisher of darkness, bring their praise to thee.

The Refrain for the Vespers Lessons
For you are my hope, O Lord GOD,* my confidence since I was young.
The Vespers Psalm
Turn Now, O God of Hosts
You have brought the vine out of Egypt;* you cast out the nations and planted it.
You prepared the ground for it;* it took root and filled the land.
The mountains were covered by its shadow* and the towering cedar trees by its boughs.
You stretched out its tendrils to the Sea* and its branches to the River.
Why have you broken down its wall,* so that all that pass by pluck off its grapes?
The wild boar of the forest has ravaged it,* and the beasts of the field have grazed upon it.
Turn now, O God of hosts, look down from heaven; behold and tend your vine;* preserve what your right hand has planted.

The Refrain
For you are my hope, O Lord GOD,* my confidence since I was young.

The Cry of the Church
Alleluia. Christ is risen.
The Lord is risen indeed. Alleluia!

The Lord's Prayer

The Prayer Appointed for the Week
Almighty God, who through your only-begotten Son Jesus Christ overcame death and opened to us the gate of everlasting life: Grant that I, who celebrate with joy the day of the Lord's resurrection, may be raised from the death of sin by your life-giving Spirit; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen. +

The Concluding Prayer of the Church
Almighty and everlasting God, who in the Paschal mystery established the new covenant of reconciliation: Grant that all who are reborn into the fellowship of Christ's Body may show forth in our lives what we profess by our faith; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. +