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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 this week
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.
Mon, 10 January
Eli told the child Samuel: If you are called again, say, “Speak, Lord, for your servant is listening.”
1 Samuel 3:1-18
Tue, 11 January
Moses said to the people: If you return to and obey the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul, then God will have compassion on you.
Deuteronomy 30:1-14
Wed, 12 January
Paul writes: I have become a servant of the Gospel by the gift of God’s grace; the grace which is for me, the least of all God’s people, to proclaim to the nations the unfathomable riches of Christ.
Ephesians 3:1-12
Thu, 13 January
Jesus said: Whoever sees me sees the one who sent me.
John 12:37-50
Fri, 14 January
O God, you have been a refuge for the weak, a shelter for the needy in distress.
Isaiah 25:1-5
Sat, 15 January
God is good, a haven in times of trouble. The Lord recognises those who trust in God even when the flood rushes on.
Nahum 1:7-8
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