Early Evening Devotion

This devotion may be used before or after the evening meal.

O gracious 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.

A Reading
It is not ourselves that we proclaim; we proclaim Christ
Jesus as Lord, and ourselves as your servants, for Jesus' sake.
For the same God who said, "Out of darkness let light
shine," has caused his light to shine within us, to give the
light of revelation - the revelation of the glory of God in the
face of Jesus Christ.  2 Corinthians 4:5-6

Prayers may be offered for ourselves and others.

The Lord's Prayer
 Our Father, who art in heaven,
     hallowed be thy Name,
     thy kingdom come,
     thy will be done,
     on earth as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread.
And forgive us our trespasses,
     as we forgive those who trespass against us.
And lead us not into temptation,
     but deliver us from evil.
For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory,
     for ever and ever.  Amen

The Collect
 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.