Benedictine Prayer Service Booklet

Benedictine VESPERS and

COMPLINE Wednesdays at 6pm

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About this evening’s Liturgy Early Christians continued the Jewish practice of ritual prayer at certain hours of the day. It was the custom in many places to offer prayers at the end of the day, and to light the lamps as daylight faded. In the Church, this gathering for prayer and lamp-lighting continued as Vespers, which is Latin for “evening”.

In 516, St. Benedict of Nursia wrote his Rule, which soon became a normative guide for gathered Christian communities to structure their shared life and prayer. The Rule of St. Benedict specified how the community should sing the Psalms as a part of the Canonical Hours throughout the week.

In Benedict’s Rule, the entire Psalter - 150 Psalms - is to be sung through each week. This remains the practice of most Benedictine communities today. The full pattern of Christian canonical hours is as follows: Matins and Lauds (in the middle of the night), Prime (at sunrise), Terce (at 9am), Sext (at noon), None (at 3pm), Vespers (at Sunset), and Compline (at bedtime).

In the Middle Ages, monastic and cathedral communities transformed Benedict’s simple services into longer and more elaborate sequences of chanted psalms and prayers, but the fixed pattern of the Hours remained the same. However, by the time of the English Reformation in the 16th Century, Archbishop Thomas Cramner translated and reduced the Canonical Hours for the first Book of Common Prayer. This reduced pattern of Morning Prayer (Matins and Lauds) and Evening Prayer (Vespers and Compline) persisted in the Prayer Book titled as the Daily Office for nearly four centuries. The current American Prayer Book (BCP 1979) reintroduces some of the minor-hours: An Order for Noonday Prayer, and An Order for Compline.

The Church of St. Luke in the Fields has enjoyed close relationships to nearby monastic communities including Holy Cross Monastery in Hyde Park, NY and the Community of St. John the Baptist in Mendham, NJ. In singing this evening’s liturgies we participate with Benedictine communities throughout the world in the Opus Dei, sure in the knowledge that prayer can change the world.

A Prayer for Evening O Lord, support us all the day long, until the shadows lengthen, and the evening comes, and the busy world is hushed, and the fever of life is over, and our work is done. Then in thy mercy, grant us a safe lodging, and a holy rest, and peace at the last. Amen.

- The Book of Common Prayer, pg. 833

Please join us for Chapter - a time of community fellowship and study immediately following tonight’s service in Laughlin Hall.

The Angelus The Angelus is prayed before Vespers at 6pm.

V. R.

The Angel of the Lord announced unto Mary And she conceived of the Holy Spirit.

Hail Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with you; blessed are you among women and blessed is the fruit of your womb, Jesus.

Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners, now and at the hour of our death. Amen.

V. R.

Behold the handmaid of the Lord.

Be it unto me according to your Word.

Hail Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with you;

blessed are you among women and blessed is the fruit of your womb, Jesus.

Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners, now and at the hour of our death. Amen.

V. R.

And the Word was made Flesh.

And dwelt among us.

Hail Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with you;

blessed are you among women and blessed is the fruit of your womb, Jesus.

Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners, now and at the hour of our death. Amen.

V. R.

Pray for us Holy Mother of God That we may be made worthy of the promises of Christ.

Pour your grace into our hearts, O Lord, that we who have known the incarnation of your Son Jesus Christ, announced by an angel to the Virgin Mary, may by his cross and passion be brought to the glory of his resurrection; who lives and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

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An Order for

Vespers

Let my prayer be set forth in your sight as incense, the lifting up of my hands as the evening sacrifice. Psalm 141:2 Grace to you and peace from God our Father and from the Lord Jesus Christ. Philippians 1:2

The Invitatory & Psalter

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O Gracious Light

Phos hilaron

Sung by all, standing,

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The Psalms Psalm 135 | Laudate Nomen

TONE I.1

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Psalm 136 | Confitemini

TONUS PEREGRINUS

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Psalm 137 | Super flumina

TONE I.1

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Psalm 138 | Confitebor tibi

TONE V.1

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The Lessons The First Lesson The Reader introduces the Lesson saying, A reading from ___________________ .

The Reader concludes the Lesson saying, All:

The Word of the Lord.

Thanks be to God.

Silence follows the Lesson.

The Second Lesson The Reader introduces the Lesson saying, A reading from ___________________ .

The Reader concludes the Lesson saying, All:

The Word of the Lord.

Thanks be to God.

Silence follows the Lesson.

The Song of Mary

Magnificat anima mea | Luke 1: 46-55

Sung by all, standing,

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The Apostles’ Creed Sung on one note by all, standing,

I BELIEVE in God, the Father almighty, creator of heaven and earth.

I believe in Jesus Christ, his only son, our Lord.

He was conceived by the power of the Holy Spirit and born of the Virgin Mary.

He suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died, and was buried.

He descended to the dead.

On the third day he rose again.

He ascended into heaven, and is seated at the right hand of the Father.

He will come again to judge the living and the dead.

I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy catholic Church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting. Amen.

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The Prayers

hallowed be your Name, your kingdom come, 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.

Save us from the time of trial, and deliver us from evil.

For the kingdom, the power, and the glory are yours, now and for ever.

Then follows one of these set of Suffrages

SUFFRAGES A

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Officiant:

Let us offer our own intercessions and thanksgivings, either silently or aloud.

The People offer their own prayers.

Officiant:

Gracious and holy God, give us wisdom to perceive you, diligence to seek you, patience to wait for you, eyes to behold you, a heart to meditate upon you, and a life to proclaim you, through the power of the spirit of Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

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SUFFRAGES B

Officiant:

Let us offer our own intercessions and thanksgivings, either silently or aloud.

The People offer their own prayers.

Officiant:

Gracious and holy God, give us wisdom to perceive you, diligence to seek you, patience to wait for you, eyes to behold you, a heart to meditate upon you, and a life to proclaim you, through the power of the spirit of Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

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The Collects The Officiant sings the following Collects

The Collect of the Day

MOST holy God, the source of all good desires, all right judgments, and all just works: Give to us, your servants, that peace which the world cannot give, so that our minds may be fixed on the doing of your will, and that we, being delivered from the fear of all enemies, may live in peace and quietness; through the mercies of Christ Jesus our Savior.

BE our light in the darkness, O Lord, and in your great mercy defend us from all perils and dangers of this night; for the love of your only Son, our Savior Jesus Christ.

LORD Jesus, stay with us, for evening is at hand and the day is past; be our companion in the way, kindle our hearts, and awaken hope, that we may know you as you are revealed in Scripture and the breaking of bread. Grant this for the sake of your love.

One of these prayer for mission is added

O GOD and Father of all, whom the whole heavens adore: Let the whole earth also worship you, all nations obey you, all tongues confess and bless you, and men and women everywhere love you and serve you in peace; through Jesus Christ our Lord.

O GOD, you manifest in your servants the signs of your presence: Send forth upon us the spirit of

love, that in companionship with one another your abounding grace may increase among us; through Jesus Christ our Lord.

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The General Thanksgiving Said by all, standing.

ALMIGHTY GOD Father of all mercies, we your unworthy servants give you humble thanks for all your goodness and loving-kindness to us and to all whom you have made.

We bless you for our creation, preservation, and all the blessings of this life; but above all for your immeasurable love in the redemption of the world by our Lord Jesus Christ; for the means of grace, and for the hope of glory.

And, we pray, give us such an awareness of your mercies, that with truly thankful hearts we may show forth your praise, not only with our lips, but in our lives, by giving up our selves to your service, and by walking before you in holiness and righteousness all our days; through Jesus Christ our Lord, to whom, with you and the Holy Spirit, be honor and glory throughout all ages. Amen.

A Prayer of St. Chrysostom

ALMIGHTY GOD, you have given us grace at this time with one accord to make our common

supplication to you; and you have promised through your well-beloved Son that when two or three are gathered together in his Name you will be in the midst of them: Fulfill now, O Lord, our desires and petitions as may be best for us; granting us in this world knowledge of your truth, and in the age to come life everlasting. Amen.

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Officiant: All:

In eastertide

The Office concludes with these words, The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with us all evermore. Amen.

The Assembly sits in silence until the sign of the dismissal.

Those who sing, Pray Twice. - St. Augustine of Hippo

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An Order for

Compline The community gathers in a circle.

Confession of Sin The Officiant may say to the people Let us confess our sins to God. Silence is kept. Then the Officiant and People say together,

Almighty God, our heavenly Father:

We have sinned against you, through our own fault, in thought, and word, and deed, and in what we have left undone.

For the sake of your Son our Lord Jesus Christ, forgive us all our offenses; and grant that we may serve you in newness of life, to the glory of your Name. Amen.

Then the Officiant says, May the Almighty God grant us forgiveness of all our sins, and the grace and comfort of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

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The Psalms All are seated.

Psalm 4

Cum invocarem

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Psalm 31

In te, Domine, speravi

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Psalm 91

Qui habitat

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Psalm 134

Ecce nunc

At the end of the final psalm is sung,

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The Lesson A short lesson is sung.

Lord, you are in the midst of us, and we are called by your Name: Do not forsake us, O Lord our God. Jeremiah 14:9,22 Come to me, all who labor and are heavy-laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me; for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light. Matthew 11:28-30 May the God of peace, who brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, the great shepherd of the sheep, by the blood of the eternal covenant, equip you with everything good that you may do his will, working in you that which is pleasing in his sight; through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory for ever and ever. Hebrews 13:20-21 Be sober, be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. Resist him, firm in your faith. 1 Peter 5:8-9a At the end of the lesson all sing,

The Hymn

Te lucis ante terminum | plainsong mode 8

Sung by all, standing

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The Prayers

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hallowed be your Name, your kingdom come, 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.

Save us from the time of trial, and deliver us from

ev - il.

The Officiant sings one or more of the following Collects

BE our light in the darkness, O Lord, and in your great mercy defend us from all perils and dangers of this night; for the love of your only Son, our Savior Jesus Christ .

BE present, O merciful God, and protect us through the hours of this night, so that we who are wearied by the changes and chances of this life may rest in your eternal changelessness; through Jesus Christ our Lord.

LOOK down, O Lord, from your heavenly throne, and illumine this night with your celestial brightness; that by night as by day your people may glorify your holy Name; through Jesus Christ our Lord.

VISIT this place, O Lord, and drive far from it all snares of the enemy; let your holy angels dwell with us to preserve us in peace; and let your blessing be upon us always; through Jesus Christ our Lord.

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KEEP watch, dear Lord, with those who work, or watch, or weep this night, and give your angels

charge over those who sleep. Tend the sick, Lord Christ; give rest to the weary, bless the dying, soothe the suffering, pity the afflicted, shield the joyous; and all for your love's sake.

The Song of Simeon

Nunc dimittis | Luke 2: 29-32

Sung by all, standing,

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Officiant:

All:

All:

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Marian Hymns The officiant announces the hymn and all sing together.

Alma redemptoris mater

plainsong mode V

From Vespers of the Saturday before the First Sunday of Advent, until the Vespers of Candlemas (Feb. 2)

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Ave Regina caelorum

plainsong mode VI

From Compline on Candlemas (Feb. 2) until Compline on Wednesday in Holy Week

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Regina Caeli

plainsong mode VI

From Compline on Easter Day until Compline on the Friday after Pentecost

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Salve Regina

plainsong mode V

From Compline on the Eve of Trinity Sunday to Compline on the Friday before Advent

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Join us for worship throughout the week: Mass Schedule Sundays 9:15am - Sung Mass: Rite II 11:15am - Choral Mass: Rite II

Weekdays 12pm - Said Mass: Rite II (Chapel) Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament on the first Friday of every month

Major Feasts and Holy Days throughout the year as announced.

The Daily Office In-Person (Chapel) Vespers Wednesdays at 6pm

Zoom Morning Prayer T, Th, F at 8am

Compline Wednesdays at 7:30pm

Evening Prayer M, W at 5:30Pm

Vespers is followed by Chapter in Laughlin Hall. All are welcome!

Please contact the Parish Offices for Zoom information.

Consider Giving to St. Luke’s St. Luke’s relies on gifts of time, talent, and treasure to help maintain and grow mission-centered programming.. Give online at https://stlukeinthefields.org/give/ or contact the Parish Office for more information on how you can support our mission to serve the local community and those in need.

The Church of St. Luke in the Fields 487 Hudson Street New York, NY 10014 Telephone: 212.924.0562 Fax: 212.633.2098

Pastoral Emergencies: Please email any clergy member in the event of an emergency.

Rector

Administration

Ministry & Worship

Devon Cooper, Accountant 212.924.1523 | dcooper@stlukeinthefields.org

The Reverend Caroline Stacey 212.924.0562 cstacey@stlukeinthefields.org

The Reverend Bo Reynolds Senior Associate 212.633.2099 breynolds@stlukeinthefields.org The Reverend Andrew Ancona Associate & School Chaplain 212.924.9327 aancona@stlukeinthefields.org David Shuler Director of Music & Organist 212.633.2167 dshuler@stlukeinthefields.org The Reverend Isabel Roberts Geller School Chaplain igeller@stlukeschool.org igeller@stlukeinthefields.org

Assisting CLergy

The Reverend Thomas Miller

St. Luke’s Vestry

Email Contact: Vestry@stlukeinthefields.org

Craig King, Director of Business and Financial Operations 212.633.7817 | cking@stlukeinthefields.org

Anthony Serrano, Facilities Director 212.924.3080 | aserrano@stlukeinthefields.org Kelsin Giron, Facilities Supervisor 212.924.5960 x133 | kgiron@stlukeinthefields.org Hannah Sohn, Development Manager 212.414.7442 | hsohn@stlukeinthefields.org Amina Syedullah, Communications Manager 212.647.1837 | asyedullah@stlukeinthefields.org Tristan Danischewski, Communications Assistant 212.924.0562 | tdanischewski@stlukeinthefields.org Lily Del Rosso, Parish Office Administrator 212.924.0562 | edelrosso@stlukeinthefields.org Elana Steinberg, Thrift Shop Manager and Archivist 212.924.9364 | esteinberg@stlukeinthefields.org Elissa Weiss, Concert Series Assistant 212.414.9419 | music@stlukeinthefields.org Phillip Cheah, Music Administrator pcheah@stlukeinthefields.org