Thursday, September 4
The Vespers Office To Be Observed on the Hour or Half Hour Between 5 and 8 p.m.


The Call to Prayer
Bless God in the congregation;* bless the LORD, you that are of the fountain of Israel.
Psalm 68:26

The Request for Presence
O LORD, watch over us* and save us from this generation for ever. The wicked prowl on every side,* and that which is worthless is highly prized by everyone.
Psalm 12:7–8


The Greeting

One generation shall praise your works to another* and shall declare your power.
Psalm 145:4

The Hymn

More Love to Thee

More love to Thee, O Christ, More love to Thee! Hear Thou the prayer I make On bended knee; This is my earnest plea, More love, O Christ, to Thee, More love to Thee, More love to Thee! Once earthly joy I craved, Sought peace and rest; Now Thee alone I seek; Give what is best: This all my prayer shall be, More love, O Christ, to Thee, More love to Thee, More love to Thee! Then shall my latest breath Whisper Thy praise; This be the parting cry My heart shall raise; This still its prayer shall be, More love, O Christ, to Thee, More love to Thee, More love to Thee!
Elizabeth P. Prentiss

The Refrain for the Vespers Lessons

The heaven of heavens is the LORD’s,* but he entrusted the earth to its peoples.
Psalm 115:16

The Vespers Psalm

The Righteous Will Be Kept in Everlasting Remembrance

Light shines in the darkness for the upright;* the righteous are merciful and full of compassion. It is good for them to be generous in lending* and to manage their affairs with justice. For they will never be shaken;* the righteous will be kept in everlasting remembrance. They will not be afraid of any evil rumors;* their heart is right; they put their trust in the Lord. Their heart is established and will not shrink,* until they see their desire upon their enemies. They have given freely to the poor,* and their righteousness stands fast for ever; they will hold up their head with honor. The wicked will see it and be angry; they will gnash their teeth and pine away;* the desires of the wicked will perish.
Psalm 112:4–10

The Refrain

The heaven of heavens is the LORD’s,* but he entrusted the earth to its peoples.

The Cry of the Church

Even so come, Lord Jesus!

The Lord's Prayer

Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be your Name. May your kingdom come, and your will be done, on earth as in heaven. Give us today our daily bread. Forgive us our sins as we forgive those who sin against us. Lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil; for yours are the kingdom and the power and the glory forever and ever. Amen.

The Prayer Appointed for the Week

Lord of all power and might, the author and giver of all good things: Graft in my heart the love of your Name; increase in me true religion; nourish me with all goodness; and bring forth in me the fruit of good works; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.†

The Concluding Prayer of the Church

Grant me, I beseech thee, O merciful God, prudently to study, rightly to understand and perfectly to fulfill that which is pleasing to thee, to the praise and glory of thy name. Amen.
St. Thomas Aquinas