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Pray
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Morning Prayer

St. Joseph

Opening Sentence

You are no longer strangers and sojourners, but fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God. Amen.Ephesians 2:19

Confession of Sin

BCP p. 79/116

Let us confess our sins against God and our neighbor.

ost merciful God,
we confess that we have sinned against you
in thought,
word, and deed,
by what we have done,

and by what we have left undone.

We have not loved you with our whole heart;

we have not loved our neighbors as ourselves.

We are truly sorry and we humbly repent.

For the sake of your Son Jesus Christ,

have mercy on us and forgive us;

that we may delight in your will,

and walk in your ways,

to the glory of your Name.
Amen.

Almighty God have mercy on us, forgive us all our sins through our Lord Jesus Christ, strengthen us in all goodness, and by the power of the Holy Spirit keep us in eternal life. Amen.

Invitatory and Psalter

BCP p. 80

V:Lord, open our lips.
R:And our mouth shall proclaim your praise.

Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit: *

as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be for ever. Amen.

Psalm 95 Venite, exultemus

BCP p. 724

[Alleluia.] The Lord is glorious in his saints: Come, let us adore him. [Alleluia.]

1

ome, let us sing to the Lord; *
let us shout for joy to the Rock of our salvation.

2

Let us come before his presence with thanksgiving *
and raise a loud shout to him with psalms.

3

For the Lord is a great God, *
and a great King above all gods.

4

In his hand are the caverns of the earth, *
and the heights of the hills are his also.

5

The sea is his, for he made it, *
and his hands have molded the dry land.

6

Come, let us bow down, and bend the knee, *
and kneel before the Lord our Maker.

7

For he is our God,
and we are the people of his pasture and the sheep of his hand. *

Oh, that today you would hearken to his voice!

8

Harden not your hearts,
as your forebears did in the wilderness, *

at Meribah, and on that day at Massah,
when they tempted me.

9

They put me to the test, *
though they had seen my works.

10

Forty years long I detested that generation and said, *
“This people are wayward in their hearts;
they do not know my ways.”

11

So I swore in my wrath, *
“They shall not enter into my rest.”

[Alleluia.] The Lord is glorious in his saints: Come, let us adore him. [Alleluia.]

Psalm 132 Memento, Domine

BCP p. 785

1

ORD, remember David, *
and all the hardships he endured;

2

How he swore an oath to the Lord *
and vowed a vow to the Mighty One of Jacob:

3

“I will not come under the roof of my house, *
nor climb up into my bed;

4

I will not allow my eyes to sleep, *
nor let my eyelids slumber;

5

Until I find a place for the Lord, *
a dwelling for the Mighty One of Jacob.”

6

“The ark! We heard it was in Ephratah; *
we found it in the fields of Jearim.

7

Let us go to God’s dwelling place; *
let us fall upon our knees before his footstool.”

8

Arise, O Lord, into your resting-place, *
you and the ark of your strength.

9

Let your priests be clothed with righteousness; *
let your faithful people sing with joy.

10

For your servant David’s sake, *
do not turn away the face of your Anointed.

11

The Lord has sworn an oath to David; *
in truth, he will not break it:

12

“A son, the fruit of your body *
will I set upon your throne.

13

If your children keep my covenant
and my testimonies that I shall teach them, *

their children will sit upon your throne for evermore.”

14

For the Lord has chosen Zion; *
he has desired her for his habitation:

15

“This shall be my resting-place for ever; *
here will I dwell, for I delight in her.

16

I will surely bless her provisions, *
and satisfy her poor with bread.

17

I will clothe her priests with salvation, *
and her faithful people will rejoice and sing.

18

There will I make the horn of David flourish; *
I have prepared a lamp for my Anointed.

19

As for his enemies, I will clothe them with shame; *
but as for him, his crown will shine.”

Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit: *

as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be for ever. Amen.

The Lessons

The First Reading

Isa. 63:7-16 (NRSV)

A Reading from the Prophet Isaiah.

will recount the gracious deeds of the Lord, the praiseworthy acts of the Lord, because of all that the Lord has done for us, and the great favor to the house of Israel that he has shown them according to his mercy, according to the abundance of his steadfast love. 8For he said, “Surely they are my people, children who will not deal falsely”; and he became their savior 9in all their distress. It was no messenger or angel but his presence that saved them; in his love and in his pity he redeemed them; he lifted them up and carried them all the days of old. 10But they rebelled and grieved his holy spirit; therefore he became their enemy; he himself fought against them. 11Then they remembered the days of old, of Moses his servant. Where is the one who brought them up out of the sea with the shepherds of his flock? Where is the one who put within them his holy spirit, 12who caused his glorious arm to march at the right hand of Moses, who divided the waters before them to make for himself an everlasting name, 13who led them through the depths? Like a horse in the desert, they did not stumble. 14Like cattle that go down into the valley, the spirit of the Lord gave them rest. Thus you led your people, to make for yourself a glorious name.

Look down from heaven and see, from your holy and glorious habitation. Where are your zeal and your might? The yearning of your heart and your compassion? They are withheld from me. 16For you are our father, though Abraham does not know us and Israel does not acknowledge us; you, O Lord, are our father; our Redeemer from of old is your name.

The Word of the Lord.
Thanks be to God.

16. The Song of Zechariah Benedictus Dominus Deus

BCP p. 92

Luke 1: 68-79

lessed be the Lord, the God of Israel; *
he has come to his people and set them free.

He has raised up for us a mighty savior, *
born of the house of his servant David.

Through his holy prophets he promised of old,
that he would save us from our enemies, *

from the hands of all who hate us.

He promised to show mercy to our fathers *
and to remember his holy covenant.

This was the oath he swore to our father Abraham, *
to set us free from the hands of our enemies,

Free to worship him without fear, *
holy and righteous in his sight
all the days of our life.

You, my child, shall be called the prophet of the Most High, *
for you will go before the Lord to prepare his way,

To give his people knowledge of salvation *
by the forgiveness of their sins.

In the tender compassion of our God *
the dawn from on high shall break upon us,

To shine on those who dwell in darkness and the shadow of death, *
and to guide our feet into the way of peace.


Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit: *

as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be for ever. Amen.

The Second Reading

Matt. 1:18-25 (NRSV)

A Reading from the Gospel According to Matthew.

ow the birth of Jesus the Messiah took place in this way. When his mother Mary had been engaged to Joseph, but before they lived together, she was found to be with child from the Holy Spirit. 19Her husband Joseph, being a righteous man and unwilling to expose her to public disgrace, planned to dismiss her quietly. 20But just when he had resolved to do this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, “Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary as your wife, for the child conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. 21She will bear a son, and you are to name him Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins.” 22All this took place to fulfill what had been spoken by the Lord through the prophet: 23“Look, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and they shall name him Emmanuel,” which means, “God is with us.” 24When Joseph awoke from sleep, he did as the angel of the Lord commanded him; he took her as his wife, 25but had no marital relations with her until she had borne a son; and he named him Jesus.

The Word of the Lord.
Thanks be to God.

21. You are God Te Deum laudamus

BCP p. 96

ou are God: we praise you;
You are the Lord; we acclaim you;
You are the eternal Father:
All creation worships you.
To you all angels, all the powers of heaven,
Cherubim and Seraphim, sing in endless praise:
Holy, holy, holy Lord, God of power and might,
heaven and earth are full of your glory.
The glorious company of apostles praise you.
The noble fellowship of prophets praise you.
The white-robed army of martyrs praise you.
Throughout the world the holy Church acclaims you;
Father, of majesty unbounded,
your true and only Son, worthy of all worship,
and the Holy Spirit, advocate and guide.
You, Christ, are the king of glory,
the eternal Son of the Father.
When you became man to set us free
you did not shun the Virgin's womb.
You overcame the sting of death
and opened the kingdom of heaven to all believers.
You are seated at God's right hand in glory.
We believe that you will come and be our judge.
Come then, Lord, and help your people,
bought with the price of your own blood,
and bring us with your saints
to glory everlasting.

The Apostles’ Creed

BCP p. 96/120

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.

The Prayers

OfficiantThe Lord be with you.
PeopleAnd also with you.
OfficiantLet us pray.
The Lord’s Prayer

ur Father, who art in heaven,
hallowed be thy Name,
thy kingdom come,
thy will be done,
on earth as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread.

And forgive us our trespasses,

as we forgive those
who trespass against us.
And lead us not into temptation,

but deliver us from evil.
For thine is the kingdom,

and the power, and the glory,
for ever and ever. Amen.

Suffrages
V.Show us your mercy, O Lord;
R.And grant us your salvation.
V.Clothe your ministers with righteousness;
R.Let your people sing with joy.
V.Give peace, O Lord, in all the world;
R.For only in you can we live in safety.
V.Lord, keep this nation under your care;
R.And guide us in the way of justice and truth.
V.Let your way be known upon earth;
R.Your saving health among all nations.
V.Let not the needy, O Lord, be forgotten;
R.Nor the hope of the poor be taken away.
V.Create in us clean hearts, O God;
R.And sustain us with your Holy Spirit.
The Collect of the Day

God, who from the family of your servant David raised up Joseph to be the guardian of your incarnate Son and the spouse of his virgin mother: Give us grace to imitate his uprightness of life and his obedience to your commands; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

A Collect for Peace

God, the author of peace and lover of concord, to know you is eternal life and to serve you is perfect freedom: Defend us, your humble servants, in all assaults of our enemies; that we, surely trusting in your defense, may not fear the power of any adversaries; through the might of Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

A Prayer for Mission

lmighty and everlasting God, by whose Spirit the whole body of your faithful people is governed and sanctified: Receive our supplications and prayers which we offer before you for all members of your holy Church, that in their vocation and ministry they may truly and devoutly serve you; through our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Amen.

Prayers and Thanksgivings
  • Prayers
    • Prayers for the World
      • 1. For Joy in God's Creation

        1. For Joy in God's Creation

        O heavenly Father, who hast filled the world with beauty: Open our eyes to behold thy gracious hand in all thy works; that, rejoicing in thy whole creation, we may learn to serve thee with gladness; for the sake of him through whom all things were made, thy Son Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

      • 2. For all Sorts and Conditions of Men
      • 3. For the Human Family
      • 4. For Peace
      • 5. For Peace among the Nations

        5. For Peace among the Nations

        Almighty God our heavenly Father, guide the nations of the world into the way of justice and truth, and establish among them that peace which is the fruit of righteousness, that they may become the kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Amen.

      • 6. For our Enemies
    • Prayers for the Church
    • Prayers for National Life
    • Prayers for the Social Order
      • 27. For Social Justice

        27. For Social Justice

        Grant, O God, that your holy and life-giving Spirit may so move every human heart [and especially the hearts of the people of this land], that barriers which divide us may crumble, suspicions disappear, and hatreds cease; that our divisions being healed, we may live in justice and peace; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

      • 28. In Times of Conflict
      • 29. For Agriculture
      • 30. For the Unemployed
      • 31. For Schools and Colleges
      • 32. For the Good Use of Leisure
      • 33. For Cities
      • 34. For Towns and Rural Areas
      • 35. For the Poor and Neglected
      • 36. For the Oppressed
      • 37. For Prisons and Correctional Institutions
      • 38. For the Right Use of God's Gifts
      • 39. For those who Influence Public Opinion
    • Prayers for the Natural Order
      • 40. For Knowledge of God's Creation
      • 41. For the Conservation of Natural Resources
      • 42. For the Harvest of Lands and Waters
      • 43. For Rain
      • 44. For the Future of the Human Race
    • Prayers for Family and Personal Life
      • 45. For Families
      • 46. For the Care of Children

        46. For the Care of Children

        Almighty God, heavenly Father, you have blessed us with the joy and care of children: Give us calm strength and patient wisdom as we bring them up, that we may teach them to love whatever is just and true and good, following the example of our Savior Jesus Christ. Amen.

      • 47. For Young Persons
      • 48. For Those Who Live Alone
      • 49. For the Aged
      • 50. For a Birthday
      • 51. For a Birthday
      • 52. For the Absent
      • 53. For Travelers
      • 54. For those we Love
      • 55. For a Person in Trouble or Bereavement
      • 56. For the Victims of Addiction
      • 57. For Guidance
      • 58. For Guidance
      • 59. For Quiet Confidence
      • 60. For Protection

        60. For Protection

        Assist us mercifully, O Lord, in these our supplications and prayers, and dispose the way of thy servants towards the attainment of everlasting salvation; that, among all the changes and chances of this mortal life, they may ever be defended by thy gracious and ready help; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

      • 61. A Prayer of Self-Dedication
      • 62. A Prayer attributed to St. Francis
    • Other Prayers
    • Prayers for the Sick
    • Prayers for use by a Sick Person
  • Thanksgivings
The General Thanksgiving

BCP p. 101/125

lmighty 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

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lmighty 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.

Let us bless the Lord.
Thanks be to God.

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.2 Corinthians 13:14

Sponsored by Forward Movement.