Restoring the Foundations

Welcome to Michaelmas at Imago! is an expression that comes from the traditional English university system as a title for what we in America often refer to as “Fall Semester.” The name Michaelmas is a refer- ence to the Feast of St. and All Angels ( 29) which is the first major feast that marks the beginning of .

We are still in the midst (only really a bit over half way through) the liturgical season of Ordinary Time. Yet many of us, especially students, teachers and parents, experience the impact that the beginning of the school year has upon our rhythm of life during this season. Even those who are not impacted by school calendars recognize that the season has changed! The air is chillier in the morning, the leaves are beginning to change. Likewise, in the Church what has shaped and formed us over the first half of ordinary time remains, yet there is a qualitative shift here too as we embrace a new rhythm of life with the Fall.

Embracing the idea of Michaelmas Term is a helpful way to mark the change that has come upon our experience of Ordinary Time. This is a change of season within the season. Yet plotting our position by way of a feast day like Michaelmas keeps us rooted in the Church year and not just the secular academic calendar.

During this Michaelmas at Imago we are going to begin by reading together from St. Paul’s Epistle to the Philippians. Bible scholar D.A. Carson, when asked to publish a brief exposition on Philippians said he could come up with no better name than, Basics for Believers, because in this letter, St. Paul introduces foundational subjects that are, “so much at the core of Christian faith and life.”

I am titling this series, “Restoring the Foundations”. This is both a reference to the series we just considered as a community from the book of Nehemiah and his work of “rebuilding for revival”. But this title also draws on this idea from Carson that what Paul presents us with in Philippians is a foundation that we as believers are built upon but which we never move beyond. We are called to press more deeply into it but we can never allow ourselves to think that we have somehow moved beyond it. So, I invite you to walk with us at Imago through Michaelmas, as we see the ways St Paul invites us to put the gospel first and foremost as THE orienting principle of our lives. How he will lead us to focus our lives and our identity around the Cross of Jesus. How St. Paul will challenge us to adopt the Cross as the litmus test of our own outlook on life, as well as the way he holds up worthy Christian leaders as models of the Christian walk and leaves us with the challenge to “never, never, never give up.”

You can prepare to walk with us into this season by prayerfully asking: • What is the orienting principle of my life right now? • What do I most value? • What do I most fear? • What impact does the cross of Jesus have on my daily life?

Ponder these questions and others that may spring from them over the course of this Michaelmas journey.

Fr. Steve + What is Imago’s Common Prayer?

Imago’s Common Prayer is simply a collection of Scriptures set to prayer and is intended to be a guide to help us foster encounter with God. As we pray, we let the Living Word reorient our lives and circumstances around the truth of the Gospel. We submit our souls, minds, and emotions to be formed more clearly into the likeness of Jesus. We repent and recieve mercy that is new every morning. We use our authority to pray for the church and the world, for our needs and those of others, expecting the Kingdom to come.

How Do I Use This Book?

Prayer Simply follow the flow, paying attention to the italics which provide sugges- tions. You can pray all three movements throughout the day, or abridge the prayers as needed depending on your time constraints and the ages of those praying. Above all, we are aiming for enjoyable prayer.

Scripture Read the passages, feeling free to prayerfully pause when something stands out to you. Be in the Lord’s presence and ask, what are you saying to me here? And, what will I do about it?

Alone or with others? Time alone with the Lord is essential, but we also invite you to engage with your spouse and/or children in daily prayer this season. Begin to create or refine rhythms of prayer in your household that fits your season of life.

Engage your senses • Consider creating a sacred space by simply lighting a candle before you begin and inviting the Holy Spirit. • Add a seasonal hymn or chorus to your prayer time • Journaling, artwork, listening to or playing music, etc. can be helpful for some people as they pray. Opening Sentences

Spend two minutes in silence, quieting your soul, and invite the Holy Spirit. Read one or more of these sentences of Scripture slowly

O Lord, I love the habitation of your house and the place where your glory dwells. Psalm 26:8

Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in your sight, O Lord, my rock and my redeemer. Psalm 19:14

Send out your light and your truth; let them lead me; let them bring me to your holy hill and to your dwelling! Psalm 43:3

For thus says the One who is high and lifted up, who inhabits eternity, whose name is Holy: “I dwell in the high and holy place, and also with him who is of a contrite and lowly spirit, to revive the spirit of the lowly, and to revive the heart of the contrite.” Isaiah 57:15

The hour is coming, and is now here, when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth, for the Father is seeking such people to worship him. John 4:23

Jesus spoke to them, saying, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” John 8:12

Let my prayer be set forth in your sight as incense, and let the lifting up of my hands be an evening sacrifice. Psalm 141:2 An Order for Morning & Evening Prayer

Confession of Sin

Leader Here in your gracious presence we confess our sins to you Holy Father.

Take a few moments and let the Holy Spirit search your heart. With confidence, confess your sins and acknowledge your need for God’s forgiveness and cleansing.

Almighty and most merciful Father, we have erred and strayed from your ways like lost sheep. we have followed too much the devices and desires of our own hearts. we have offended against your holy laws. we have left undone those things which we ought to have done, and we have done those things which we ought not to have done; and apart from your grace, there is no health in us. O Lord, have mercy upon us. Spare all those who confess their faults. Restore all those who are penitent, according to your promises declared to all people in Christ Jesus our Lord; And grant, O most merciful Father, for his sake, that we may now live a godly, righteous, and sober life, to the glory of your holy Name. Amen.

Assurance of Forgiveness

Leader We thank you Lord for pardon and peace; that being delivered and cleansed from all our sins, we will serve you with a quiet mind; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

End by giving thanks that God delights in showing mercy and that he has forgiven and cleansed you in Jesus. Rest in his delight over you. The Invitatory

Now move into a time of praise and thanksgiving.

Leader O Lord, open our lips; People And our mouth shall proclaim your praise.

Leader O God, make speed to save us; People O Lord, make haste to help us.

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

Leader The Lord is full of compassion and mercy. People O come, let us adore him.

◊ For families: What are you thankful for?

Read the Venite or Jubilate in the morning and the Phos Hilaron in the evening.

The Venite (O Come)

O come, let us sing unto the LORD; * let us heartily rejoice in the strength of our salvation. Let us come before his presence with thanksgiving * and show ourselves glad in him with psalms. For the LORD is a great God * and a great King above all gods.

In his hand are all the depths of the earth, * and the heights of the hills are his also. The sea is his, for he made it, * and his hands prepared the dry land. O come, let us worship and fall down, * and kneel before the LORD our Maker. For he is our God, * and we are the people of his pasture, and the sheep of his hand. The Jubilate (Be Joyful)

O be joyful in the LORD, all you lands; * serve the LORD with gladness, and come before his presence with a song. Be assured that the LORD, he is God; * it is he that has made us, and not we ourselves; we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture.

O go your way into his gates with thanksgiving, and into his courts with praise; * be thankful unto him, and speak good of his Name. For the LORD is gracious, his mercy is everlasting, * and his truth endures from generation to generation. . Phos Hilaron (O Gladsome Light)

O gladsome light, pure brightness of the everliving Father in heaven, * O Jesus Christ, holy and blessed! Now as we come to the setting of the sun, and our eyes behold the vesper light, * we sing your praises, O God: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. You are worthy at all times to be praised by happy voices, * O Son of God, O Giver of Life, and to be glorified through all the worlds.

The Psalm & Lessons Appointed

Choose one or more Psalms from the 60-day Psalter on the following pages Then have someone read one or more of the lessons. The Gospel readings are always engaged.

Sacred Reflection

◊ Imaginative Prayer: Pray-read the Gospel again and put yourself in the story, where are you? What do you see? What do you feel? What is God saying to you? What are you going to do about it? ◊ For families: “I wonder…” questions. (Rely on Holy Spirit to give right question about the passage itself and what it says about God or their identity) Morning: Benedictus (The Song of Zechariah)

Blessed 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 in the shadow of death, * and to guide our feet into the way of peace.

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.

Evening: Nunc Dimittis (The Song of Simeon)

Lord, now let your servant depart in peace, * according to your word. For my eyes have seen your salvation, * which you have prepared before the face of all people; To be a light to lighten the Gentiles, * and to be the glory of your people Israel.

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 Daily Office Lectionary

The principle adopted at the Reformation was that “the whole of Holy Scripture (or the greatest part thereof)” should be read each year. This cycle of lessons is based on that principle.

The Old Testament is read (almost) in its entirety once each year. The dagger symbol (†) indicates a way to abbreviate a longer chapter if desired. The Gospels and Acts are read in their entirety twice each year, at Morning Prayer during the first part of the year, at Evening Prayer during the second part of the year. The Epistles are read twice each year in the opposite pattern, except for the Revelation to John, which is read only once, during the Advent season. The inclusion of Apocryphal texts in the daily office lectionary (denoted by italics) such as Maccabees, Judith, and Ecclesiasticus may be surprising to those of us who have a history in Protestantism. The position of the Anglican church is that these texts, while not considered the inspired Word of God, are read by the Church “for example of life and instruction in manners.”

If you prefer not to read these, or you have no ready access to them, that’s fine! Simply split up the other readings between the morning and evening offices, or perhaps choose another book of the Bible to read through. Alternative;y, use this space in the liturgy to read a daily devotional such as Bp. Andrew’s Watchwords as long as the other lessons from scripture are read.

The Apostles’ Creed Stand together to confidently declare The Faith

I 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 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 , the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting. Amen.

The Prayers

Leader The Lord be with you. People And also with you. Leader Let us pray.

Leader Lord, have mercy People Christ, have mercy Leader Lord, have mercy

Our Father, who art in heaven, Our Father in heaven, hallowed be thy Name, hallowed be your Name, thy kingdom come, your kingdom come, thy will be done, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. Give us today our daily bread. And forgive us our trespasses, And forgive us our sins as we forgive those as we forgive those who trespass against us. who sin against us. And lead us not into temptation, Save us from the time of trial, but deliver us from evil. and deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom, For the kingdom, the power, and the power, and the glory, and the glory are yours, for ever and ever. Amen. now and for ever. Amen.

Appoint someone to read one or more of the following prayers, beginning with the Sunday Collect of the Week. Finish with the Prayer for Mission

Sunday Collect of the Week & Other Occasions

Week following Sunday, September 20 O Lord, you have taught us that without love, all our deeds are worth noth- ing: Send your Holy Spirit and pour into our hearts that most excellent gift of charity, the true bond of peace and of all virtues, without which whoever lives is counted dead before you; grant this for the sake of your Son Jesus Christ, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

Week following Sunday, September 27 O merciful Lord, grant to your faithful people pardon and peace, that we may be cleansed from all our sins and serve you with a quiet mind; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

The Feast of Holy Michael and All Angels [September 29] Everlasting God, you have ordained and constituted in a wonderful order the ministries of angels and mortals: Mercifully grant that, as your holy angels always serve and worship you in heaven, so by your appointment they may help and defend us here on earth; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

Week following Sunday, 4 Keep, O Lord, your household the Church in continual godliness, that through your protection it may be free from all adversities, and devoutly serve you in good works, to the glory of your Name; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen. Week following Sunday, October 11 O God, our refuge and strength, true source of all godliness: Graciously hear the devout prayers of your Church, and grant that those things which we ask faithfully, we may obtain effectually; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

Week following Sunday, October 18 Set us free, loving Father, from the bondage of our sins, and in your good- ness and mercy give us the liberty of that abundant life which you have made known to us in our Savior Jesus Christ; who lives and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

Week following Sunday, October 25 Almighty and everlasting God, you govern all things both in heaven and on earth: Mercifully hear the supplications of your people, and in our time grant us your peace; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

All Saints’ Day [November 1] Almighty God, you have knit together your elect in one communion and fellowship in the mystical body of your Son Christ our Lord: Give us grace so to follow your blessed saints in all virtuous and godly living, that we may come to those ineffable joys that you have prepared for those who truly love you; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who with you and the Holy Spirit lives and reigns, one God, in glory everlasting. Amen.

Week preceeding Confirmation Sunday [Nov 1-7] Grant, Almighty God, that we, who have been redeemed from the old life of sin by our baptism into the death and resurrection of your Son Jesus Christ, may be filled with your Holy Spirit, and live in righteousness and true holiness; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

Week following Sunday, November 8 O God, whose blessed Son came into the world that he might destroy the works of the devil and make us children of God and heirs of eter- nal life: Grant that, having this hope, we may purify ourselves as he is pure; that, when he comes again with power and great glory, we may be made like him in his eternal and glorious kingdom; where he lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen. Week following Sunday, November 15 Stir up, O Lord, the wills of your faithful people; that they may plenteously bring forth the fruit of good works, as they await the coming of our Lord Je- sus Christ to restore all things to their original perfection; who with you and the Holy Spirit lives and reigns for ever and ever. Amen

Week following Sunday, November 22 [Christ the King] Almighty and everlasting God, whose will it is to restore all things in your well-beloved Son, the King of kings and Lord of lords: Mercifully grant that the peoples of the earth, divided and enslaved by sin, may be freed and brought together under his most gracious rule; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.

Thanksgiving Day, [November 26] Most merciful Father, we humbly thank you for all your gifts so freely bestowed upon us: for life and health and safety, for strength to work and leisure to rest, for all that is beautiful in creation and in human life; but above all we thank you for our spiritual mercies in Christ Jesus our Lord; who with you and the Holy Spirit lives and reigns, one God, for ever and ever. Amen. Morning Prayer Collect of the Day

A Collect for Strength to Await Christ’s Return (Sunday) O God our King, by the resurrection of your Son Jesus Christ on the first day of the week, you conquered sin, put death to flight, and gave us the hope of everlasting life: Redeem all our days by this victory; forgive our sins, banish our fears, make us bold to praise you and to do your will; and steel us to wait for the consummation of your king- dom on the last great Day; through the same Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

A Collect for the Renewal of Life (Monday) O God, the King eternal, whose light divides the day from the night and turns the shadow of death into the morning: Drive far from us all wrong desires, incline our hearts to keep your law, and guide our feet into the way of peace; that, having done your will with cheerfulness during the day, we may, when night comes, rejoice to give you thanks; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

A Collect for Peace (Tuesday) O 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 hum- ble 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 Collect for Grace (Wednesday) O Lord, our heavenly Father, almighty and everlasting God, you have brought us safely to the beginning of this day: Defend us by your mighty power, that we may not fall into sin nor run into any danger; and that guided by your Spirit, we may do what is righteous in your sight; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. A Collect for Guidance (Thursday) Heavenly Father, in you we live and move and have our being: We humbly pray you so to guide and govern us by your Holy Spirit, that in all the cares and occupations of our life we may not forget you, but may remember that we are ever walking in your sight; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

A Collect for Endurance (Friday) Almighty God, whose most dear Son went not up to joy but first he suffered pain, and entered not into glory before he was crucified: Mercifully grant that we, walking in the way of the cross, may find it none other than the way of life and peace; through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord. Amen.

A Collect for Sabbath Rest (Saturday) Almighty God, who after the creation of the world rested from all your works and sanctified a day of rest for all your creatures: Grant that we, putting away all earthly anxieties, may be duly prepared for the service of your sanctuary, and that our rest here upon earth may be a preparation for the eternal rest promised to your people in heav- en; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Prayer for Mission

Almighty and everlasting God, who alone works great marvels: Send down upon our clergy and the congregations committed to their charge the life-giving Spirit of your grace, shower them with the con- tinual dew of your blessing, and ignite in them a zealous love of your Gospel, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. Evening Prayer Collect of the Day

A Collect for Peace (Monday) O God, the source of all holy desires, all good counsels, and all just works: Give to your servants that peace which the world cannot give, that our hearts may be set to obey your commandments, and that we, being defended from the fear of our enemies, may pass our time in rest and quietness, through the merits of Jesus Christ our Savior. Amen.

A Collect for Aid against Perils (Tuesday) Lighten our darkness, we beseech you, O Lord; and by your great mercy defend us from all perils and dangers of this night; for the love of your only Son, our Savior Jesus Christ. Amen.

A Collect for Protection (Wednesday) O God, the life of all who live, the light of the faithful, the strength of those who labor, and the repose of the dead: We thank you for the blessings of the day that is past, and humbly ask for your protection through the coming night. Bring us in safety to the morning hours; through him who died and rose again for us, your Son our Savior Jesus Christ. Amen.

A Collect for the Presence of Christ (Thursday) Lord Jesus, stay with us, for evening is at hand and the day is past; be our companion in the way, kindle our hearts, and awaken hope, that we may know you as you are revealed in Scripture and the breaking of bread. Grant this for the sake of your love. Amen.

A Collect for Faith (Friday) Lord Jesus Christ, by your death you took away the sting of death: Grant to us your servants so to follow in faith where you have led the way, that we may at length fall asleep peacefully in you and wake up in your likeness; for your tender mercies’ sake. Amen. A Collect for the Eve of Worship (Saturday) O God, the source of eternal light: Shed forth your unending day upon us who watch for you, that our lips may praise you, our lives may bless you, and our worship on the morrow give you glory; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Prayer for Mission

O God and Father of all, whom the whole heavens adore: Let the whole earth also worship you, all nations obey you, all tongues con- fess and bless you, and men, women and children everywhere love you and serve you in peace; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. Your Intercessions

Using the bids to pray below, add your intercessions and invite others to add their own

General Intercession Topics

• For the global church and the persecuted church • For churches of our diocese, churches in this region, and Imago Chapels • For revival in New and laborers for the harvest field • For the Spirit’s outpouring on Imago’s children and in marriages • For our nation, for those in authority over us, and for elections • For leaders of Imago and their families (see last page for a list) • For your People of Peace (Luke 10) • For those preparing to be Confirmed on November 8 • For the least, last, and lost, for the needy, and those who suffer from disease, addiction, or loneliness.

Write below any names or topics you feel led to pray for in this season. The General Thanksgiving

Almighty 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.

Conclusion

pray one or more of the following sentances

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 13:14T

May the God of hope fill us with all joy and peace in believing through the power of the Holy Spirit. Amen. ROMANS 15:13T

Glory to God whose power, working in us, can do infinitely more than we can ask or imagine: Glory to him from generation to generation in the Church, and in Christ Jesus for ever and ever. Amen. EPHESIANS 3:20-21T Guide to a Daily Examen

It is helpful to journal your reflections following engagement with the Examen.

Reflect over your day, from the time you awoke to the present. When were you aware of God’s presence? When did you feel far from God’s presence?

Below, is a helpful tool for processing those “Kairos” or “God” moments. They are invitations to enter the Kingdom more fully through repentance and belief (Mark 1:15).

Rest in his goodness, sufficiency, and grace. Let him speak a covenant word of identity over you.

If you have a journal, write down the covenant word of identity to refer back to later. Compline Prayer

To be prayed at the end of the day before falling asleep

Leader The Lord Almighty grant us a peaceful night and a perfect end. Amen Leader Our help is in the Name of the Lord; People The maker of heaven and earth.

Daily Examen

The Examen should be done at the end or toward the end of the day. A form for Daily Examen is found on the previous page.

Compline Prayers

Leader O God, make speed to save us. People O Lord, make haste to help us. Leader Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit; People as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen. Leader I will lay myself down in peace, and take my rest; for you, LORD, only, make me dwell in safety. Psalm 4:8

Psalm 4 (alternatively, Psalms 31, 91, and 134 are traditionally said)

Hear me when I call, O God of my righteousness; * you set me free when I was in trouble; have mercy upon me, and hear my prayer. O you children of men, how long will you blaspheme my honor, * and have such pleasure in vanity, and seek after falsehood? Know this also, that the LORD has chosen for himself the one that is godly;* when I call upon the LORD, he will hear me. Stand in awe, and sin not; * commune with your own heart upon your bed, and be still. Offer the sacrifice of righteousness * and put your trust in the LORD. There are many that say, “Who will show us any good?” * LORD, lift up the light of your countenance upon us. You have put gladness in my heart, * more than when others’ grain and wine and oil increased. I will lay me down in peace, and take my rest; * for you, LORD, only, make me dwell in safety.

One of the following, or some other suitable passage of Scripture, is read.

Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. Resist him, firm in your faith.1 Peter 5:8-9

Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light. Matthew 11:28 30

A period of silence may follow.

Leader Into your hands, O Lord, I commend my spirit; People For you have redeemed me, O Lord, O God of truth. Leader Keep me, O Lord, as the apple of your eye; People Hide me under the shadow of your wings. Leader O Lord, hear our prayer; People And let our cry come to you. Leader Let us pray.

One or more of the following collects may be prayed

Visit this place, O Lord, and drive far from it all snares of the enemy; let your holy angels dwell with us to preserve us in peace; and let your blessing be upon us always; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

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

Be present, O merciful God, and protect us through the hours of this night, so that we who are wearied by the changes and chances of this life may rest in your eternal changelessness; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. Look down, O Lord, from your heavenly throne, illumine this night with your celestial brightness, and from the children of light banish the deeds of darkness; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

A Collect for Saturdays We give you thanks, O God, for revealing your Son Jesus Christ to us by the light of his resurrection: Grant that as we sing your glory at the close of this day, our joy may abound in the morning as we celebrate the Paschal mystery; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Silence may be kept, and intercessions and thanksgivings may be offered.

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.

Guide us waking, O Lord, and guard us sleeping; that awakewe may watch with Christ, and asleep we may rest in peace.

The Nunc Dimittis The Song of Simeon

Lord, now let your servant depart in peace, * according to your word. For my eyes have seen your salvation, * which you have prepared before the face of all people; To be a light to lighten the Gentiles, * and to be the glory of your people Israel. Glory 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. Luke 2:29-32

Guide us waking, O Lord, and guard us sleeping; that awake we may watch with Christ, and asleep we may rest in peace.

The almighty and merciful Lord, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, bless us and keep us, this night and evermore. Amen. Upcoming Events

September 26 Diocesan Synod Worship in Massachusetts October 3 Gen Rev Acadia Foliage Hike. Info TBD. October 4, 9am All-Chapel Worship on the Bangor Waterfront October 10 ADNE Synod Business Meeting via Zoom November 8 Installation Service for Fr. Steve & Confirmations with Bp Andrew. Location TBD. November 29 First Sunday in Advent

Imago Dei Anglican Church Leaders to Pray For

Chapel Locations & Leaders (please visit website as details change) St. Albans Gordons, Watsons Levant Kenersons, Kenersons, Barbers Pittsfield Millers, Verrills Ellsworth Sweet, Longs Bangor Flemings

Clergy Bishop Andrew Williams (Elena) Fr. Steve Hoskins (Sarah) Fr. Chuck Bradshaw (Beth) Dcn. Tom Gilbert (Betty)

Parish Council Chrissy Kenerson (Jon) Dan Long (Wanda) Charlene Holyoke (Bruce) Molly Stevens (Patrick) George Phelps (Ginger) Adam Barber (Sarah) Sam Kenerson (Tim)

Staff Nicole Finley Demelza Ramirez Kathryn Miller (Dan) Scott DeLong (Kelsey)

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