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Home > Worship > Choral Vespers > Order of Worship
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Vespers, the Evening Office of the Western Church, was originally
part of the Night Office called lucernarium, so named because
candles were lit for the celebration. Using lections and early
music, Vespers combines the drama of the Chapel at night with
the drama of the liturgy. The images of darkness and light recur
throughout the Office. They symbolize God’s action of creation
over the dark waters of chaos; they symbolize Christ as the light
of hope in a darkened world. Indeed, it is this light of Christ
which enters the darkened Chapel this evening, as the people of
God gather to celebrate.
Choral Introit
Processional Hymn (congregation standing)
Opening Sentence
Leader: Light and peace in Jesus Christ our Lord.
People: Thanks be to God.
Collect for Light
Leader and People: Almighty God, we give you thanks for surrounding
us, as daylight fades, with the brightness of your vesper light;
and we implore you of your great mercy that, as you enfold us
with the radiance of this light, so you would shine into our hearts
the brightness of your Holy Spirit; through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Amen.
Hymn (congregation and choir)
First Lesson (congregation seated)
The people respond: Thanks be to God.
Anthem
Second Lesson
The people respond: Thanks be to God.
Psalter (congregation standing)
Gloria Patri
Gospel (congregation seated)
The people respond: Thanks be to God.
Anthem
Prayers (congregation seated or kneeling)
The Lord’s Prayer
Benediction
Recessional Hymn (congregation and choir)
Choral Dismissal
Dismissal
Leader: Let us go forth in the name of Christ.
People: Thanks be to God.
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