Friday, November 21
The Vespers Office To Be Observed on the Hour or Half Hour Between 5 and 8 p.m


The Call to Prayer
The LORD is my strength and my shield;* my heart trusts in him, and I have been helped; Therefore my heart dances for joy,* and in my song will I praise him.
Psalm 28:8-9

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.
Psalm 119:176


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.
Psalm 31:19

The Hymn

Lord, I Want to Be a Christian

Lord, I want to be a Christian in my heart, in my heart; Lord, I want to be a Christian in my heart, in my heart; Lord, I want to be a Christian in my heart, in my heart. Lord, I want to be more loving in my heart, in my heart; Lord, I want to be more loving in my heart, in my heart; Lord, I want to be more loving in my heart, in my heart. Lord, I want to be more holy in my heart, in my heart; Lord, I want to be more holy in my heart, in my heart; Lord, I want to be more holy in my heart, in my heart. Lord, I want to be like Jesus in my heart, in my heart; Lord, I want to be like Jesus in my heart, in my heart; Lord, I want to be like Jesus in my heart, in my heart.
African-American Spiritual

The Refrain for the Vespers Lessons

Mercy and truth have met together;* righteousness and peace have kissed each other.
Psalm 85:10

The Vespers Psalm

Bring Me to Your Holy Hill

Send out your light and your truth, that they may lead me,* and bring me to your holy hill and to your dwelling; That I may go to the altar of God, to the God of my joy and gladness;* and on the harp I will give thanks to you, O God my God. Why are you so full of heaviness, O my soul?* and why are you so disquieted within me? Put your trust in God;* for I will yet give thanks to him, who is the help of my countenance, and my God.
Psalm 43:3-6

The Refrain

Mercy and truth have met together;* righteousness and peace have kissed each other.
Psalm 85:10

The Small Verse

My help is in the Name of the Lord who made heaven and earth and all that is in them. Thanks be to God.
Traditional

The Lord’s Prayer

Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be your Name. May your kingdom come, and your will be done, on earth as in heaven. Give us today our daily bread. Forgive us our sins as we forgive those who sin against us. Lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil; for yours are the kingdom and the power and the glory forever and ever. Amen.

The Prayer Appointed for the Week

Blessed Lord, who caused all holy Scriptures to be written for our learning: Grant me so to hear them, read, mark, learn, and inwardly digest them, that I may embrace and ever hold fast the blessed hope of everlasting life, which you have given us in our Savior Jesus Christ; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.†

Concluding Prayers of the Church

Almighty God, who has promised to hear the petitions of those who ask in your Son’s Name: I beseech you mercifully to incline your ear to me who have made my prayers and supplications to you; and grant that those things which I have faithfully asked according to your will, I may effectually obtain, to the relief of my necessity, and to the setting forth of your glory; through Jesus Christ my Lord. Amen.† May the souls of the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in eternal peace. Amen.