OBSERVANCE:

Evening Prayer – Sunset or following Dinner

FOCUS:

Vespers focuses on thanksgiving and continued grace to live out the Lenten call to repentance.

SUGGESTED POSTURE:

If possible, pray directly after a meal, in the company of other people. If you are currently by yourself, picture in your mind the people you are connected to–your community, friends, and family members.

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OPENING PRAYER:

Psalm 51:10-12

Create a clean heart for me, God;

put a new, faithful spirit deep inside me!

Please don’t throw me out of your presence;

please don’t take your holy spirit away from me.

Return the joy of your salvation to me

and sustain me with a willing spirit.

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SCRIPTURE READING:

Matthew 6:1-6, 9-13 (from the Sermon on the Mount)

“Be careful that you don’t practice your religion in front of people to draw their attention. If you do, you will have no reward from your Father who is in heaven."

“Whenever you give to the poor, don’t blow your trumpet as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets so that they may get praise from people. I assure you, that’s the only reward they’ll get. But when you give to the poor, don’t let your left hand know what your right hand is doing so that you may give to the poor in secret. Your Father who sees what you do in secret will reward you."

“When you pray, don’t be like hypocrites. They love to pray standing in the synagogues and on the street corners so that people will see them. I assure you, that’s the only reward they’ll get. But when you pray, go to your room, shut the door, and pray to your Father who is present in that secret place. Your Father who sees what you do in secret will reward you."

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RESPONSE:

(pray out loud)

Our Father who is in heaven,

uphold the holiness of your name.

Bring in your kingdom

so that your will is done on earth as it’s done in heaven.

Give us the bread we need for today.

Forgive us for the ways we have wronged you,

just as we also forgive those who have wronged us.

And don’t lead us into temptation,

but rescue us from the evil one.

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REFLECTION:

Which line from the Lord’s prayer sticks with you today?

CONFESSION:

(To be read out loud, joined by your faith community)

"Lord, we confess that we have wandered. We have sought our own way. Yet you remain faithful. Forgive, renew, and lead us into this season of Lent with hope and expectation."

BENEDICTION:

Be at peace, marked by grace, to walk the road of repentance and renewal.