The Vespers Office

Bless God in the congregation;* bless the LORD, you that are of the fountain of Israel.

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.

One generation shall praise your works to another* and shall declare your power.

More love to Thee, O Christ, Then shall my latest breath More love to Thee! Whisper Thy praise; Hear Thou the prayer I make This be the parting cry On bended knee; My heart shall raise; This is my earnest plea, This still its prayer shall be, More love, O Christ, to Thee, More love, O Christ, to Thee, More love to Thee, More love 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!

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

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.

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

Even so come, Lord Jesus!

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.

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.

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.