Saturday, January 17
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

“I come,” the great Redeemer cries, “To do your will, O Lord!” At Jordan’s stream, behold! He seals the sure prophetic word. “Thus it becomes us to fulfill all righteousness,” he said. Then, faithful to the Lord’s commands, through Jordan’s flood was led. Hark, a glad voice! The Father speaks From heaven’s exalted height: “This is my Son, my well beloved In whom I take delight.” The Savior Jesus, well beloved! His Name we will profess, Like him desirous to fulfill God’s will in righteousness. No more we’ll count ourselves our own But his in bonds of love. Oh, may such bonds for ever draw Our souls to things above!
Christian Hymnbook, 1865

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 LORD Is My Strength

I love you, O LORD my strength,* O LORD my stronghold, my crag, and my haven. My God, my rock in whom I put my trust,* my shield, the horn of my salvation, and my refuge; you are worthy of praise. I will call upon the LORD,* and so shall I be saved from my enemies. The breakers of death rolled over me,* and the torrents of oblivion made me afraid. The cords of hell entangled me,* and the snares of death were set for me. I called upon the LORD in my distress* and cried out to my God for help. He heard my voice from his heavenly dwelling;* my cry of anguish came to his ears.
Psalm 18:1–7

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

Almighty God, whose Son our Savior Jesus Christ is the light of the world: Grant that your people, illumined by your Word and Sacraments, may shine with the radiance of Christ’s glory, that he may be known, worshipped, and obeyed to the ends of the earth; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who with you and the Holy Spirit lives and reigns, one God, now and for 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