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A simple form of evening prayer and candle lighting *
At St Mary's we would like to invite you to join us in a short time of prayer every day at 7pm. It involves lighting a candle and placing it in the window and then saying the following prayers as individuals or as households. You can join with others in these prayers on our Facebook page.
The Lord almighty grant us a quiet night and a perfect end. Amen.
Our help is in the name of the Lord
who made heaven and earth.
A period of silence for reflection on the past day may follow.
O God, make speed to save us.
O Lord, make haste to help us.
Glory to the Father and to the Son
and to the Holy Spirit;
as it was in the beginning is now
and shall be for ever. Amen.
The reading for the day (see below)**
The candle is lit and the following prayer is said
Heavenly Father, accept this burning candle as a sign of faith and love.
Like this candle, bring light into our world
Even as this candle is lit may we know your presence
and be consumed in the warmth of your love.
In your mercy, Lord hear our prayer.
In peace we will lie down and sleep;
for you alone, Lord, make us dwell in safety.
Abide with us, Lord Jesus
for the night is at hand and the day is now past.
As the night watch looks for the morning
so do we look for you, O Christ.
The Lord bless us and watch over us;
the Lord make his face shine upon us and be gracious to us;
the Lord look kindly on us and give us peace. Amen.
Bible Readings for October**
These short readings are those read, day by day, in our prayers (they are borrowed from Taizé). The Bible reference given indicates a slightly longer passage. Please use whichever you prefer.
Fri, 8 October
God has let us know the mystery of his good purpose: to bring all things together under Christ.
Ephesians 1:3-10
Mon, 11 October
Jesus said: Whoever leaves everything for my sake and for the sake of the Gospel will receive a hundred times as much in this present age, together with persecutions and, in the age to come, eternal life.
Mark 10:17-30
Tue, 12 October
Jesus said: If a shepherd finds one sheep that was lost, it gives them more joy than ninety-nine others that did not stray at all. In the same way, your Father in heaven does not want even one to be lost.
Matthew 18:12-14
Wed, 13 October
Paul writes: We believe that if we died with Christ then we shall live with him too.
Romans 6:4-11
Thu, 14 October
Paul writes: Your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you and whom you received from God.
1 Corinthians 6:14-20
Fri, 15 October
Many keep saying, “Who will give us happiness?” O God, let the light of your face shine upon us.
Psalms 4
Sat, 16 October
From the book of Proverbs: God will be your confidence and will keep your feet from being snared.
Proverbs 3:21
Mon, 18 October
Jesus sent out his disciples saying: Whenever you go into a town where they make you welcome, eat what is set before you, cure the sick who are there and say, “The kingdom of God is very near you.”
Luke 10:1-9
Tue, 19 October
Paul writes: From now on those who buy something should live as if they had no possessions and those who use the things of the world should do so without being engrossed in them. Because this world as we know it is passing away.
1 Corinthians 7:29-31
Wed, 20 October
Paul explained his ministry, saying: We do not want to be masters of your faith, but fellow workers with you for your joy.
2 Corinthians 1:18-24
Thu, 21 October
These are the things that you shall do: Speak the truth to one another, render in your gates judgments that are true and make for peace.
Zechariah 8:16-23
Fri, 22 October
Jesus prayed to his Father for his disciples, saying: I am no longer in the world; they are in the world and I am coming to you, Holy Father. Keep those you have given me true to your name, so that they may be one as we are one.
John 17:6-11
Sat, 23 October
Paul writes: Persevere, standing firm on the solid base of faith and not drifting away from the hope held out by the Gospel
Colossians 1:15-23
Mon, 25 October
Paul writes: Do not let anything worry you, but in every situation, by prayer with thanksgiving, let God know your desires.
Philippians 4:4-7
Tue, 26 October
Paul writes: You did not receive a spirit which makes you a slave to fear again; you received the spirit of adoption by which we cry out, “Abba! Father!”
Romans 8:14-17
Wed, 27 October
Jesus said: Whoever acts according to the truth comes into the light, so that it may be seen plainly that what they are doing is done in God.
John 3:14-21
Thu, 28 October
Be generous, for you know the generosity of our Lord Jesus Christ. Although he was rich, for your sake he became poor, so that by his poverty you might become rich.
2 Corinthians 8:7-15
Fri, 29 October
Jesus said: If you forgive others their failings, your heavenly Father will forgive you yours.
Matthew 6:7-15
Sat, 30 October
May God make your love increase so that it overflows for each other and for everyone. May God confirm your hearts.
1 Thessalonians 3:12-13
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