Evening Prayer

12Apr
Behold now, bless the Lord, all you servants of the Lord,
you that stand by night in the house of the Lord.
-Psalm 134:1

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. Amen. 
-Evening Prayer, Book of Common Prayer, p.124 

The Psalm asks that his servants bless the Lord as they serve in his house which we could take to mean anywhere in his creation. Evening Prayer reverses the request and asks God to keep watch with/bless his servants, stay awake with them as they go through the dark of evening and all that means. The emphasis is on nighttime in both prayers, a time when most of us are looking to the end of our day and preparing for rest. Both highlight that there are those who may not be sleeping, just because it is night.  


Evening Prayer is one of my favorites in the Book of Common Prayer. It’s so tender and expresses such empathy with those who may be struggling. That part about shielding the joyous says to me that even those who are giddy in the moment will come back to earth, but we can hope that they will not give up when the downs reappear alongside the ups. And all this for your love’s sake. Love underpins the entire prayer. God’s love for us and God’s Son’s monumental gift of teaching us how to love.   

Musical Reflection - O Gladsome Light - John Rutter Cambridge Singers

We ask for strength for ourselves and others as we go about our daily and nightly tasks, knowing that your love is near and is why we are here. Amen.

PsalmsPrayerEaster

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