Prayer Mode

Remembrance and thanksgiving only; no direct invocation of saints.

Vespers

Evening Prayer

"Let my prayer be set forth before thee as incense; and the lifting up of my hands as the evening sacrifice." — Psalm 141:2

Begin with a moment of silence to prepare your heart for evening prayer, then reverently make the sign of the cross.

Opening

Sign of the Cross

In the name of the Father, ✠ and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Opening Versicle & Response

V: Make haste, O God, to deliver me.
R: Make haste to help me, O LORD.

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit; as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.

Psalmody

Evening Psalm - Psalm 141 (KJV)

The ancient evening psalm, sung or recited antiphonally

V: LORD, I cry unto thee: make haste unto me;
R: Give ear unto my voice, when I cry unto thee.
V: Let my prayer be set forth before thee as incense;
R: And the lifting up of my hands as the evening sacrifice.
V: Set a watch, O LORD, before my mouth;
R: Keep the door of my lips.
V: Incline not my heart to any evil thing,
R: To practise wicked works with men that work iniquity.
V: Let the righteous smite me; it shall be a kindness:
R: And let him reprove me; it shall be an excellent oil.
V: Mine eyes are unto thee, O GOD the Lord:
R: In thee is my trust; leave not my soul destitute.

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit; as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.

Additional Psalms (Optional, according to season)

Seasonal psalms may be added here according to the church year or daily lectionary

Scripture Readings

Old Testament Reading

Variable according to lectionary - read the appointed lesson for the day

New Testament Reading

Variable according to lectionary - read the appointed lesson for the day

Gospel Canticle - The Magnificat

The Song of Mary (Luke 1:46-55, KJV)

The ancient canticle of praise for God's mercy

Antiphon: My soul doth magnify the Lord, and my spirit hath rejoiced in God my Saviour.

My soul doth magnify the Lord, and my spirit hath rejoiced in God my Saviour.

For he hath regarded the low estate of his handmaiden: for, behold, from henceforth all generations shall call me blessed.

For he that is mighty hath done to me great things; and holy is his name.

And his mercy is on them that fear him from generation to generation.

He hath shewed strength with his arm; he hath scattered the proud in the imagination of their hearts.

He hath put down the mighty from their seats, and exalted them of low degree.

He hath filled the hungry with good things; and the rich he hath sent empty away.

He hath holpen his servant Israel, in remembrance of his mercy;

As he spake to our fathers, to Abraham, and to his seed for ever.

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit; as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.

The Apostles’ Creed

The Apostles' Creed

The ancient confession of the Christian faith

I believe in God the Father Almighty, Maker of heaven and earth.

And in Jesus Christ, His only Son, our Lord; who was conceived by the Holy Ghost, born of the Virgin Mary; suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, dead, and buried; He descended into hell; the third day He rose again from the dead; He ascended into heaven, and sitteth on the right hand of God the Father Almighty; from thence He shall come to judge the quick and the dead.

I believe in the Holy Ghost; the holy catholic Church, the communion of saints; the forgiveness of sins; the resurrection of the body; and the life everlasting. Amen.

Prayers and Intercessions

Prayers and Intercessions

Evening prayers for the Church and the world

For the Church

We thank Thee, O Lord, for Thy holy Church throughout the world. We remember with thanksgiving all Thy servants who have faithfully proclaimed Thy Word and administered Thy Sacraments. We give thanks for the witness of Thy saints who have gone before us; grant that we may follow their faith in steadfastness and love; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

We thank Thee, O Lord, for Thy holy Church throughout the world. Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for the Church. Saint Peter, pray for us. Saint Paul, pray for us. All ye holy apostles and evangelists, pray for the spread of the Gospel and the unity of the Church; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

For Rulers and Authorities

O Lord, our Governor, whose glory is in all the world: We commend this nation to Thy merciful care, that, being guided by Thy Providence, we may dwell secure in Thy peace. Grant to our President, Congress, and all in authority, wisdom and strength to know and to do Thy will. Fill them with the love of truth and righteousness; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

For Daily Needs

We thank Thee, O Lord, for all the blessings of this day. We remember with gratitude all Thy servants who have shown us examples of faithful service. Provide for our needs, protect us through the night, and grant us peaceful rest. Help us to serve Thee faithfully in our various callings; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

We thank Thee, O Lord, for all the blessings of this day. Saint Joseph, patron of workers, pray for all who labor. Saint Luke, pray for physicians and healers. All ye holy saints, intercede for us in our daily needs. Provide for us, protect us through the night, and grant us peaceful rest; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

For the Sick and Suffering

Heavenly Father, giver of life and health: Comfort and relieve Thy sick servants, and give Thy power of healing to those who minister to their needs, that those for whom our prayers are offered may be strengthened in their weakness and have confidence in Thy loving care; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

For the Departed

We give thanks, O Lord, for all who have died in the faith and now rest from their labors. We remember especially [names may be mentioned]. Grant that we may follow their example of faithfulness, and bring us at last to that heavenly country where, with all the redeemed, we may praise Thee forever; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

We give thanks, O Lord, for all who have died in the faith and now rest from their labors. We remember especially [names may be mentioned]. May they rest in peace and rise in glory. All ye saints of God, pray for the faithful departed and for us who still journey in this life; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

The Lord’s Prayer

The Lord's Prayer

The prayer our Savior taught us

Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen.

Collects

Collects

Traditional prayers for evening and the seasons

General Evening Collect

Lighten our darkness, we beseech thee, O Lord; and by thy great mercy defend us from all perils and dangers of this night; for the love of thy only Son, our Saviour Jesus Christ. Amen.

Seasonal Collects

Advent Season

Stir up, we beseech Thee, Thy power, O Lord, and come, that by Thy protection we may be rescued from the threatening perils of our sins and saved by Thy mighty deliverance; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Christmas Season

Grant, we beseech Thee, almighty God, that the new birth of Thy only-begotten Son as man may set us free, who are held by the old bondage under the yoke of sin; through the same Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Lenten Season

Almighty and everlasting God, who hatest nothing that Thou hast made and dost forgive the sins of all those who are penitent: Create and make in us new and contrite hearts, that we, worthily lamenting our sins and acknowledging our wretchedness, may obtain of Thee, the God of all mercy, perfect remission and forgiveness; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Easter Season

Almighty God, who through Thine only-begotten Son Jesus Christ overcame death and opened unto us the gate of everlasting life: Grant that we, who celebrate with joy the day of the Lord's resurrection, may be raised from the death of sin by Thy life-giving Spirit; through the same Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Trinity Season

O God, the strength of all who put their trust in Thee: Mercifully accept our prayers; and because in our weakness we can do nothing good without Thee, give us the help of Thy grace, that in keeping Thy commandments we may please Thee both in will and deed; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Optional Hymn or Canticle

Optional Hymn or Canticle

Additional praise for festivals and special occasions

Phos Hilaron (O Gladsome Light) (Optional)

The ancient evening hymn may be sung or recited

O gladsome light of the holy glory of the immortal Father,

Heavenly, holy, blessed Jesus Christ!

Now that we have come to the setting of the sun

And behold the light of evening,

We praise God: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.

For meet it is at all times to worship Thee

With voices of praise,

O Son of God, Giver of life.

Therefore all the world doth glorify Thee.

Other appropriate evening hymns may be sung according to season and preference

Benediction

Benediction

The blessing to close the day

V: The Lord be with you.
R: And with thy spirit.
V: Let us bless the Lord.
R: Thanks be to God.

The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Ghost, be with us all evermore. Amen.

Home Practice Suggestions

Home Practice Suggestions

Adapting Vespers for family and personal devotion

Materials Needed

Essential Items

  • Bible (KJV) for daily readings
  • Lutheran hymnal or prayer book
  • Candle or oil lamp for evening light
  • Seasonal decorations as appropriate

Study Resources

For Bible study resources, visit our Study Resources section.

Family Adaptations

With Children

Focus on core elements: Opening, Psalm 141, Gospel reading, Magnificat, Creed, Lord's Prayer, and Blessing.

Allow children to participate by lighting evening candles, reading responses, or choosing seasonal hymns.

Individual Use

Include all elements as time permits, with special attention to Scripture readings, Magnificat, and intercessions.

Use the full office for deeper contemplation and thanksgiving for the day's blessings.

Establishing a Sacred Rhythm

Consistency

Pray at the same time each evening when possible (traditionally at sunset, 6:00-8:00 PM). Use your icon corner or home altar, lighting a candle to mark the transition from day to evening.

Seasonal Emphasis

Adapt collects and additional psalms according to the church year. Use appropriate seasonal colors and decorations to enhance the liturgical experience.

Choosing Your Prayer Mode

Remembrance Mode

  • Focuses on thanksgiving and commemoration
  • Maintains Christ as sole mediator
  • Confessional Lutheran comfort
  • Biblical foundation emphasized

Full Intercessory Mode

  • Includes traditional invocation of saints
  • Draws from catholic heritage
  • Rich liturgical tradition
  • Patristic and medieval practice

Final Encouragement

Remember: The goal is consistent evening prayer that draws you closer to Christ and provides thanksgiving for the day's blessings. Whether in remembrance or intercessory mode, let Vespers be a foundation of grace that sanctifies your evening and prepares your heart for rest.

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