Presentation of Christ aka Candlemas

On 2 February, we celebrate the Presentation (of Christ at the Temple) aka Candlemas. This recalls when Mary and Joseph took the infant Jesus at 40 days to be dedicated at the temple as told in Luke’s gospel. You might like to use the form of prayer for a few days or up to the start of Lent. Some people think of Candlemas as a kind of pivot-point: looking back to Christmas and forward to Holy Week and Easter.

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We bring ourselves here and present ourselves to God:
the Lord whom we seek comes to his temple.
The true light that lightens all has come into the world,
In your light may we see light,
leading us from delusion to truth, and into your righteous way.

Lead us, Source of all Being, Father and Mother to us:
From darkness to light and into your gracious will.
Lead us, Christ, our Friend and our Brother;
From death to eternal life and into your infinite joy;
Lead us, Divine Spirit, empowering Life within
for we seek your enabling touch.

Based on a prayer from the Church of South India

As we hear the scriptures read, let us be transformed by the renewing of our minds, to discern the will of God -what is good and acceptable and perfect.
Rom 12:2

Psalm[s] and reading[s]. At the end of the reading[s]:

As we reflect
Holy Spirit, rest upon us.

There may be a time of quiet and/or shared reflection. A framework for reflection, using the pattern of the Lord’s prayer may be used.

Nourished in what is revealed by the Holy Spirit
May we grow and became strong in faith,
filled with wisdom;
And with the favour of God upon us

Now, Lord, you let your servant go in peace:
your word has been fulfilled.
My own eyes have seen the salvation
which you have prepared in the sight of every people;
A light to reveal you to the nations
and the glory of your people Israel.

English translation of the Nunc Dimittis, Luke 2:29-32, ELLC license

Glory to God in the highest:
and on earth -peace and goodwill.
Lord God, heavenly King,
almighty God and Father,
we worship you, we give you thanks,
we praise you for your glory.
…expressions of of praise and thanks …
Our God in heaven, father and mother to us, Light of the nations, Fulfilment of the desires of the ages.
Hallowed be your name

In a world needing revelation to lighten our darkness,
faithful God,
glorify your name.
Among those who await consolation and redemption,
faithful God,
glorify your name.
In the search for meaning and fullness of life,
faithful God,
glorify your name.
Among those who bring good to workers, widows, and among those who show mercy to migrants.
faithful God,
glorify your name.
…other petitions may be made, each ending with
faithful God,
glorify your name.

The company of those who seek your face, O God, shall receive a blessing from you. [Cf Ps.24]
With the bread we need for today, feed us.
Into what will sustain our life in you, lead us.
Pause to recognise our needs
As you provide for us, sustain us and equip us to serve you,
faithful God,
glorify your name.

When the shadows we have cast have hidden the light for others,
Father forgive.
We offer the light of forgiveness for the shadows others have cast on our lives.
Father forgive.
You are the fountain of life;
in your light we see light.
Your word is a lantern to our feet
and a light upon our paths.

Though we walk in the midst of trouble, O God;
you will preserve us.
You will stretch forth your hand against the fury of our enemies;
your right hand will save us.
Make good your purpose for us;
your loving-kindness, O Lord, endures for ever
forsake not the work of your hands.
Make good your purpose for us.
[Ps.138:6-8]
Master, now you dismiss your servant in peace,
according to your word;
for my eyes have seen your salvation.

Magnificat days

This Magnificat order of service would be appropriate on 25 March (celebrating the announcement to Mary that she was to bear the Christ) a Magnificat season could be observed in the second half of August beginning with the feast of the Virgin Mary on 15th. It’s not a recognised church season. These prayers may also be suitable for other occasions on which Mary, mother of Jesus, is remembered.

To hear the liturgy spoken and join in …

A woman in the crowd raised her voice and said to Jesus, ‘Blessed is the womb that bore you and the breasts that nursed you!’ But Jesus said, ‘Blessed rather are those who hear the word of God and obey it!’
[Luke 11:27-8]

As we hear God’s word, Holy Spirit come upon us,
Power of the Most High, overshadow us.
We will treasure these words
and ponder them in our hearts.
Psalm[s] and reading[s] are announced and read.
You have come to the help of your servant Israel,
and remembered your promise of mercy,
The promise you made to our forebears,
to Abraham and his children for ever
We consider, in the light of scripture, what God calls us to.
Reflection (together with others where possible), silently and/or aloud. A framework for reflection, using the pattern of the Lord’s prayer may be used.
Here we are, servants of the Lord;
let it be with us according to your word.
After the readings and reflection, a canticle may be said or sung. The most suitable is the following.
A song from scripture based on the Magnificat (The Song of Mary)
My soul proclaims your greatness O Lord;
my spirit rejoices in you O God our Saviour,
You have looked with favour on your lowly servant.
From this day all generations will call us blessed:
Almighty, you have done great things for us,
and holy is your name.
You have mercy on those who fear you
from generation to generation.
You have shown strength with your arm
and scattered the proud in their conceit,
casting down the mighty from their thrones
and lifting up the lowly.
You have filled the hungry with good things,
and sent the rich away empty.
You have come to the help of your servant Israel,
remembering your promise of mercy,
the promise made to our forebears,
to Abraham and his children forever.
Based on the ELLC translation of Luke 1:46-55.

My soul magnifies You, Lord,
my spirit rejoices in God my Saviour,
You have looked with favour on this lowly servant.
You have remembered your promise of mercy
… Songs and/or words of praise and thanksgiving could be shared here…
Almighty, you have done great things for us
and holy is your name.

Show strength with your arm, O God
scatter the proud in the imaginations of their hearts.
Cast down the mighty from their thrones
and lift up the lowly.
Concerns for the world, the church and individuals are shared …

Fill the hungry with good things
and send the callous rich empty away
… we consider what we need to continue serving God …

Lest we be scattered from God’s purposes, brought down or sent away empty, let us repent, asking and offering forgiveness.
Pause for reflection on forgiving and being forgiven.
Have mercy upon us
According to your promises.
God says to all who repent,
‘Do not be afraid, for you have found favour with God.’
…

Though the Lord be high, he watches over the lowly.
Let’s pause to give our coming hours over to God’s guiding and keeping
…
Though we walk in the midst of trouble, O God;
you will preserve us.
You will stretch forth your hand against the fury of our enemies;
your right hand will save us.
Make good your purpose for us;
your loving-kindness, O Lord, endures for ever
forsake not the work of your hands.
Make good your purpose for us.
[Ps.138:6-8]
From this day forward may we be called blessed
For the Almighty will have done great things for us.

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Transfiguration

Transfiguration is normally celebrated on 6 August, recalling when Jesus’s appearance gloriously changed while on a mountain with some of his disciples. This prayer form might be used for a week or two following that day.

Lord, it is good for us to be here
For your Spirit is with us
We pause to recognise God’s presence.
My heart tells of your word, ‘Seek my face.’
Your face, Lord, will I seek.
One thing we ask of you Lord
and that alone we seek:
that we may dwell in your house all the days of our life,
To behold your fair beauty and to seek your will.
[from Ps.27]
A song may be sung. Bibles are made ready to be read from.
As we hear the scriptures
may we listen to your Beloved.
Overshadow us and speak to us
for this comes from the Lord, the Spirit
Psalm[s] and reading[s].
Our Lord Jesus Christ received honour and glory from God the Father whose voice was conveyed to him by the Majestic Glory, saying, ‘This is my Son, my Beloved, with whom I am well pleased.’ By the same Spirit, we hear this voice from heaven, We have the prophetic message more fully confirmed. Let us be attentive to this as to a lamp shining in a dark place.
There may be a time of quiet and/or shared reflection. A framework for reflection, using the pattern of the Lord’s prayer may be used.

Canticle of Solomon
Blessed are you,
O God of our ancestor Israel
for ever and ever.
Yours, O Lord, are the greatness,
the power, the glory,
the victory, and the majesty;
for all that is in the heavens
and on the earth is yours;
yours is the kingdom, O Lord,
and you are exalted as head above all.
[1Chr29:10-11]
Collect or theme prayers may be said.

Your steadfast love, O Lord, extends to the heavens,
your faithfulness to the clouds.
Be exalted, O God, above the heavens.
Let your glory be over all the earth.
We honour you and thank you that in Christ we are your beloved children, with whom you are well pleased. In Christ you are transforming us from one degree of glory to another by the working of the Holy Spirit.
[And now we give you thanks because … ]
And so we laud your name:
Holy, holy, holy God of power and might,
heaven and earth are full of your glory
Hosanna in the highest.

In the stories and hopes of Moses and Elijah, we glimpse a world transfigured, we ask for transfigurations of here-and-now realities into anticipations of the new heaven and new earth.
…
Your kingdom come
your will be done on earth as in heaven.
Give us wisdom to share sensitively with all people the good news so that all may behold your glory in the face of Jesus Christ. …
Your kingdom come
your will be done on earth as in heaven.

As we accompany Christ to the wheres and whens that touch glory, be our provider
…
Your kingdom come
your will be done on earth as in heaven.

Forgive us that in various ways, big and small, we have grieved the Spirit as we have resisted being transformed into the likeness of Christ Jesus.
Gracious God, glorify your name,
We glory in your forgiveness.
Enfold our forgiving of others in your transfiguration of creation that we may continually participate in the transformation of the world.
…
Give us grace to forgive:
Work your glory into our forgiveness.
Lead us so we do not sleepwalk into sin
awaken us to the signs of glory around us.
Preserve us from attempts to make permanent the provisional;
And from the paralysing fear of the new and awesome.
In the midst of the strange and misunderstandable;
Give us ears to hear you and heart to follow Jesus.
Yours is the Kingdom, the power and the glory,
now and forever. Amen.
We go being transformed into Christ’s image,
from one degree of glory to another;
This comes from the Lord, the Spirit.
Amen.

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Everyday prayer form 2

This order uses phrases almost exclusively drawn from Paul’s letters. These phrases and passages are edited to be used as prayers.

What was written in the Scriptures long ago was for our learning; to give us hope and encouragement as we wait patiently for the fulfilment of God’s promises.
Psalm[s] and reading[s].
We have heard the Holy Scriptures, They are able to make us wise for salvation
through faith in Christ Jesus.
Reflection (together with others where possible), silently and/or aloud. A framework for reflection, using the pattern of the Lord’s prayer may be used.

All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness,
so that the servant of God may be equipped for every good work

After the readings and reflection, a canticle may be said.

A Song of the Cosmic Christ
Jesus Christ is the image of the invisible God,
the firstborn over all creation.
For in Christ all things were created:
things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible,
whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities;
all things have been created through him and for him.
He is before all things, and in him all things hold together.
And he is the head of the body, the church;
he is the beginning and the firstborn from among the dead,
so that in everything he might have the supremacy.
For God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in him,
and through him to reconcile to himself all things,
whether things on earth or things in heaven,
by making peace through his blood, shed on the cross.
[From Colossians 1:16ff]

Hallowed be your name Father Through the Son in the Holy Spirit,
As in the beginning so now and forever. Amen.

We did not receive a spirit that makes us slaves to fear
We received the Spirit of adoption.
Your Spirit testifies with ours that we are your children:
By your Spirit we cry “Abba! Father”
Praise be to you, God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, Father of compassion and God of all comfort.
We give thanks to you at all times and for everything
in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.
…
Nothing in all creation, will be able to separate us from your love, O God, in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Blessed are you God
Hallowed be your name.
Help us and all your church to bear with one another in love, making every effort to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace,
we pray for all humility and gentleness, with patience.
….
We bow our knees before you, Father, and your Spirit intercedes in our weakness;
for we do not know how to pray as we ought.
We pray that when your witnesses throughout the world speak, a message may be given to make known with boldness the mystery of the gospel
…
We bow our knees before you, Father, and your Spirit intercedes in our weakness;
for we do not know how to pray as we ought.
We remember those in hardship, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword.
…
We bow our knees before you, Father, and your Spirit intercedes in our weakness;
for we do not know how to pray as we ought.
We eagerly anticipate that the creation itself will be set free from its bondage to decay and will obtain the freedom of the glory of the children of God. We pray for the whole creation, groaning in labour pains until now;
…
We bow our knees before you, Father, and your Spirit intercedes in our weakness;
for we do not know how to pray as we ought.
other concerns may be voiced or silently prayed …
We bow our knees before you, Father, and your Spirit intercedes in our weakness;
for we do not know how to pray as we ought.

You supply seed to the sower and bread for food, supply and multiply our seed for sowing and increase the harvest of our righteousness.
…
We bow our knees before you, Father, and your Spirit intercedes in our weakness;
for we do not know how to pray as we ought.

just as the Lord has forgiven us, so we also must forgive.
…
There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.
Thanks be to God

Strengthen our hearts in holiness that we may be blameless before you Father God at the coming of our Lord Jesus with all his saints.
…
Now to you who by the power at work within us are able to accomplish abundantly far more than all we can ask or imagine, to you be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus
to all generations, forever and ever. Amen.

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Everyday Prayer

This is an option for use on any day. It could be used as a change from other daily offices or simply because its there! If you wish to say two offices in a day, this could be one and a named-day office or seasonal one the other.

Seek while the Lord may be found,
call out while God is near;
let the wicked forsake their way,
and the unrighteous their thoughts.
Pause to acknowledge God’s presence.

We do not live by bread alone
but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.
Psalm[s] and reading[s].
God’s word is very near to us;
it is in our mouths and in our hearts for us to observe.
There may be a time of quiet and/or shared reflection. A framework for reflection, using the pattern of the Lord’s prayer may be used.

A Canticle of God’s Word.
O God, Your thoughts are not our thoughts,
nor are our ways your ways, O Lord.
For as the heavens are higher than the earth,
so are your ways higher than our ways
and your thoughts than our thoughts.
For as the rain and the snow come down from heaven,
and do not return there until they have watered the earth,
making it bring forth and sprout,
giving seed to the sower and bread to the eater,
so shall your word be that goes out from your mouth;
it shall not return to you empty,
but it shall accomplish what you purpose,
and succeed in what you sent it for.
For we shall go out in joy, and be led back in peace;
the mountains and the hills shall burst into song,
and all the trees of the field shall clap their hands.
[see Isaiah 55.8-12]

O Lord open our lips:
and our mouth shall proclaim your praise
Blessed are you merciful and gracious God, you are slow to anger, and abound in steadfast love and faithfulness, you are full of compassion and forgiveness.
Hallowed be your name!
…Songs and/or extempore prayers of praise and thanks …
The hallowing of your name echo through the universe!
Gracious God, may your will be done:
on earth as in heaven.

Let us catch glimpses of heaven today; inspire us to sense how your will may be transfused into our world’s life, as we pray now.
… concerns for the good of people and events are brought before God, silently or aloud …
Compassionate God, may your will be done:
on earth as in heaven.

We seek your kingdom and righteousness,give all things needful to us in our seeking
… sharing of needs in silence or aloud…
In our asking for your provision, Generous God, may your will be done:
on earth as in heaven.

Give us today the resolve to forgive others: as you forgive us …
… quiet reflection on our own admissions of wrong and on forgiving …
forgiven and forgiving;
Merciful God, may your will be done:
on earth as in heaven.

Faithful One, be with us in the challenges to our faith and integrity: do not let us fall away from you…
… we consider the coming day…
Guide us O God:
by your light to live
by your grace, forgive
to speak well to all
to act on your call
in storm find your rest
in others, seek their best
Your wisdom to know
Christ’s presence to show
Father, may we be, in this world, the leaven
And may your will be done on earth
as it is in heaven.

Saturday

Saturday’s prayers tend to reflect the theme of the Kingdom season: Christ’s light being brought to the darkness of world and life into death.

You are the fountain of life;
in your light we see light.
Your word is a lantern to our feet
and a light upon our paths.
Sustain us according to your promise
and we shall live.
My soul faints with longing for your salvation,
and in your word have I put my hope.
Psalm[s] and reading[s].
The word that goes out from God’s mouth shall not return empty,
it shall accomplish God’s purpose,
and succeed in what it is sent to do.
Quiet and/or shared reflection.A framework for reflection, using the pattern of the Lord’s prayer may be used.

Canticle of the day, below, may be used or a hymn.
Great and Wonderful
Great and wonderful are your deeds, Lord God the Almighty.
Just and true are your ways, O ruler of the nations.
Who shall not revere and praise your name, O Lord?
For you alone are holy.
All nations shall come and worship in your presence:
for your just dealings have been revealed.
To the One who sits on the throne and to the Lamb
be blessing and honour and glory and might,
for ever and ever. Amen.
[Adapted from text © The Archbishops’ Council of the Church of England]

O Lord, open our lips
And our mouth shall proclaim your praise.
Blessèd are you, Heaven’s High King and judge of all, we give you praise and honour for with you is the well of life,
In your light we see light.
Praise and thanksgiving, silent or aloud.
God in heaven; father and mother to us,
Hallowed be your name
Your will is for the Light of Christ to illumine everyone. May your light shine on all for whom we pray and chase the shadows from the situations we are concerned about.
We bring our concerns for people or events to God, silently or aloud.
In the kingdom of light, death will be no more; mourning and crying and pain will be no more and God will wipe away every tear.
…
Faithful One, chase the shadows from this age, ripen the first fruits of your will on earth:
Your kingdom come.
In that day, of the increase of Christ’s government and of peace there shall be no end.
…
Faithful One, chase the shadows from this age, ripen the first fruits of your will on earth:
Your kingdom come.
In that day, your Spirit will fill all things and all shall know you.
…
Faithful One, chase the shadows from this age, ripen the first fruits of your will on earth:
Your kingdom come.

As we seek to walk in Light, you promise to supply our need
sharing of needs, silently or aloud ….
Seeking first your righteousness
All things shall be added.

Jesus proclaimed ‘The Kingdom of God is at hand, change your outlook and commit yourselves to the Good News’
We pause to recognise what of our life needs to change in the light of God’s Reign.
When the shadows we have cast have hidden the light for others,
Father forgive.
We reflect on what we may need to forgive
We forgive the shadows others have cast on our lives.
Father forgive.
This we call to mind and therefore we have hope:
The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases,
God’s mercies never come to an end:
They are new every morning,
Great is your faithfulness, O Lord:
great is your faithfulness.
[Lamentations 3:19 ff]

We reflect on the coming day: its potential challenges to our living out the Good News and recognising it may bring things for which we are unprepared.
…
In all that today may bring; the anticipated and the surprising. The pleasant and the testing; Go before us, alert us to the real issues,
strengthen us for Good,
awaken us if we sleepwalk into sin,
show us the way out of the Darkness
and fill us with love, hope and peace
as we cling fast to you.
Amen.

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Friday

On Fridays, many of the prayers reflect the theme of the passion and crucifixion of Christ.

As the deer pants for streams of water, so my soul longs after you, O God.
My soul thirsts for you, the living God.

What is it that we seek?
We seek God’s reign and righteousness.
Let’s seek with all our reflecting
Amen. God be our wisdom.
Let’s seek with all our attentiveness
Amen. God be our centre
Let’s seek with all our valuing
Amen. God be our vision.
Let’s seek with all our efforts
Amen. God be our souls’ shelter

On the cross, Jesus framed fracturing-life’s ebb with words from scripture,
May we frame our lives’ flow primed by God’s word. Let us attend!
Psalm[s] and reading[s]. There may be a time of quiet and/or shared reflection.A framework for reflection, using the pattern of the Lord’s prayer may be used.
Jesus call us to faith in Him.
…. [pause for reflection]
Lord, we believe,
help us in our unbelief.

The Song of Christ’s Glory
Though in the form of God,
Christ did not regard equality with God
as something to be held.
He emptied himself,
taking on the form of a slave.
Jesus was born in human likeness;
and found in human form.
He humbled himself
and was obedient into death—
even death on a cross.
Therefore God highly exalted him
giving him the name above every name.
So at the name of Jesus
every knee should bow,
in heaven and on earth and under the earth,
and every tongue confess
that Jesus Christ is Lord,
to the glory of God the Father.
[From Philippians 2]

We will give God thanks:
You are our help and our God.
Blessèd and hallowed is your name, compassionate, gracious and merciful God, you seek us out in the darkness of our sin, you exchange beauty of reconciliation for the ashes of our rebellion as you come to us with healing in your wings.
Father in heaven
Hallowed be your name.
Thanks and praise may be shared…
We have been led into a world seemingly deserted of meaning, we pray for those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, that they may be filled
…
Your kingdom come, your will be done:
Let us live by the word that comes from your mouth.
In a world of insecurity and danger, we pray for the protection of the vulnerable
…
Your kingdom come, your will be done:
Let us live by the word that comes from your mouth.
In a world of powers and ambition, we pray for those who make decisions affecting the lives of others
…
Your kingdom come, your will be done:
Let us live by the word that comes from your mouth.
In a world needing the ministry of angels in many guises, some unawares, we pray for the needs and concerns known to us.
…
Your kingdom come, your will be done:
Let us live by the word that comes from your mouth.

In a world where there is bread enough for all, we bring before you those who do not have and pray for the will and means of supply, globally and locally
…
Your kingdom come, your will be done:
Let us live by the word that comes from your mouth
seeking first your kingdom & righteousness, may all things needful be added to us.
Prayers for needs may be voiced….
You open your hand and satisfy the desires of every living thing.
…

Search me, O God, and know my heart;
test me and know my thoughts.
See if there is any wicked way in me,
and lead me in the way everlasting
[Ps.139:23-4]
Have mercy on us, O God,
according to your steadfast love
wash us thoroughly from our iniquity,
and cleanse us from our sin.
Create in us a clean heart, O God,
and renew a right spirit within us.
Do not take your holy spirit from us
Restore to us the joy of your salvation
[See. Ps.51]
O Soul be joyful; the loving God stretches out his merciful hand to you.
…

Make us instruments of your peace:
and let your glory be over all the earth.
…pause to reflect on the coming day…
Tempted to breaden stones:
May your Word give us life.
Tested by intimations of invincibility:
Make us wise in your ways.
Trialled by the seductions of power:
Keep us true to you.

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