Tonight we shall use the liturgy, for Night Prayer’ which was compiled for use in the chapel in Ty Teilo, one-time Llandaff Diocesan day retreat house by Rev Peter Leonard, Kevin Cecil and Reader Mrs Penny Snowden. We are grateful to be able to use and share it.
PRAYER
I have seen the sun break through
to illuminate a small field
for a while, and gone my way
and forgotten it. But that was the
pearl of great price, the one field that had
treasure in it. I realise now
that I must give all that I have
to possess it. Life is not hurrying
on to a receding future, nor hankering after
an imagined past. It is the turning
aside like Moses to the miracle
of the lit bush, to a brightness
that seemed as transitory as your youth
once, but is the eternity that awaits you.
R. S. Thomas.
In the night when unnamed monsters roam
your grace I know that you are with me.
Your light will shine in me like a candle flame against the dark.
And by this light the lion will have no substance
It’s roar only a loud noise in the wind - an empty shadow.
‘In returning and rest you shall be saved; in quietness and in trust shall be your strength‘ Isaiah 30:16
Song: Heart of Peace
The Heart of peace to save the day
Reach for heaven made whole again.
In returning God will give you rest
Within the quietness his love will be there.
God from heaven to earth comes down
The breath of life the Stars the Son.
In the dawning hear a voiceless sound
Within Jesus, God to earth come down.
The word of God, call my name
The breath of life restores again,
In returning God will give you rest
Within the quietness his love will be there.
God to Earth come down
In life, in hope, in love.
God to earth come down
Bring life, bring hope, bring love (repeat)
Confession
‘I said, “O will confess my transgressions to the Lord”, and you forgave the guilt of my sin. Therefore let all who are faithful offer prayer to you’.
God our loving parent:
we come to you in this quiet hour
returning to where we find true rest and peace;
We are sorry for all that we have done
or failed to do today
that is not according to your purpose in us.
We ask the assurance of your merciful forgiveness
that, accepted afresh,
We may rest tonight
and arise in your strength
to serve you in quietness and in trust:
we ask this for our Saviour’s sake,
Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen
Absolution
‘As surely as the tide will ebb and flow
whether in the calmness of summer or the turmoil of winter
the hopeful promise of Spring or the regretful pull of the autumn so I am with you’
God forgive us all our sins and make us anew in His image
Psalm 4 (NRSV)
1 Answer me when I call, O God of my right! You gave me room when I was in distress. Be gracious to me, and hear my prayer. 2 How long, you people, shall my honor suffer shame? How long will you love vain words, and seek after lies?Selah 3 But know that the Lord has set apart the faithful for himself; the Lord hears when I call to him. 4 When you are disturbed,[a] do not sin; ponder it on your beds, and be silent.Selah 5 Offer right sacrifices, and put your trust in the Lord. 6 There are many who say, “O that we might see some good! Let the light of your face shine on us, O Lord!” 7 You have put gladness in my heart more than when their grain and wine abound. 8 I will both lie down and sleep in peace; for you alone, O Lord, make me lie down in safety.
The word
‘Come let us return to the Lord: for it is he that has torn, and he will heal us; he has struck down, and he will bind us up. After two days he will revive us; on the third day he will raise us up, that we may live by him. Let us know, let us press on to know the Lord; his appearing is as sure as the dawn; he will come to us like the showers, like the spring rains that water the earth Hoses 6:1-3
silence
Hear what the spirit is saying to the church.
Thanks be to God
God of every hour, our guide and comfort through the day, our guardian and keeper through the night; be close to us now as we prepare to leave this day behind and enter into your rest.
This is the message we have received and proclaim to one another
God is light and in him is no darkness found
If we walk in the light with him we have fellowship with one another and the blood of Jesus washes us clean of imperfection
Jesus is the eternal life that was with the Father
In him our joy is complete 1John1
God of every hour, our guide and comfort through the day, our guardian and keeper through the night; be close to us now as we leave this day behind and enter into your rest.
The Apostles' Creed
I believe in God, the Father almighty, creator of heaven and earth. I believe in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord, who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the Virgin Mary, 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, he is seated at the right hand of the Father, and he will come 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
Your Lord, are with us in this place
Your presence fills it
Your presence is peace
Your Lord, are with us in this place
Your presence fills it
Your presence awakens joy
Your Lord, are with us in this place
Your presence fills it
Your presence deepens trust
Your Lord, are with us in this place
Your presence fills it
Your presence brings hope
Open our eyes, Lord
that we may see your presence
that is all about us.
Open our ears, Lord
that we may hear your voice
that is quiet yet ever near.
Open our heart, Lord
that we may feel your love
close and real in each encounter.
Open our senses, Lord
make us aware of your power,
your presence in each hour
Lord's Prayer
Dedication & Blessings
All that I am, Lord
I place into your hands, Lord
All that I do, Lord
I place into your hands, Lord
Everything I work for
I place into your hands, Lord
Those whom I work with
I place into your hands, Lord
Every thing I hope for
I place into your hands, Lord
The troubles that weary me
I place into your hands, Lord
The thoughts that disturb me
I place into your hands, Lord
Each one I pray for
I place into your hands, Lord
Each that I care for
I place into your hands, Lord
Deep peace of the flowing air to you
deep peace of the quiet earth
deep peace of the running wave to you
the love of the Son to you
Deep peace of the shining stars to you
deep peace of the glowing moon
deep peace of the floating snow to you
the love of the Son to you
Deep peace of God’s loving arms to you
deep peace of this radiant warmth
deep peace of the Son of Peace to you
the love of the Son to you
the love of the Son to you
All: Lord keep me safe when times get hard,
Lord keep me safe as I walk this world,
Lord keep me safe as night draws near,
Lord keep me safe within you heart.
Go in peace:
The wisdom of the Wonderful Counsellor guide us,
The strength of the Mighty God defend us,
The love of the Everlasting Father enfold us,
The peace of the Prince of Peace be upon us
And the blessing of God Almighty,
Father, Son and Holy Spirit
Be upon us all this night and for evermore. Amen
