Lent Compline, Week 2
There is Hope in Gardens!
(Not all seeds grow, not all plants thrive, but many do)
The text for this service is below.
+The Lord almighty grant us a quiet night and a perfect end. Amen.
Our help is in the name of the Lord who made heaven and earth.
A period of silence for reflection on the past day may follow.
The following words of penitence are used:
O Lord, you have created us in your image; yet so often we wander from your pathway. But we rejoice Lord you have made us for yourself and our hearts are restless until they find their rest in You. Look with your eyes of love upon our imperfections and pardon all our shortcomings, that we may be filled with the brightness of Your light and become the image of Your goodness, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen
The Absolution
+ God the Father, God the Son and God the Holy Spirit bless, keep and forgive you and in His lovingkindness grant you his grace and the comfort of His peace. Amen
Short Reflection
Let us read / hear these words of Gracia Grindal’s song which recognises the mystery of the seed, its growth and the kingdom:
The kingdom of God is like a grain of mustard seed.
When it is sown in the earth, it is the smallest seed.
It is like the kingdom of God and a mystery.
For when it is sown, it grows into the largest plant,
greater than all of the herbs, and grows into a tree.
It is like the kingdom of God and a mystery.
It grows so birds can rest inside its crown of leaves,
deep in its shadows, away from any evil prey.
It is like the kingdom of God and a mystery.
And so we can liken it to seeds which make a tree
larger than all of the trees from just the smallest seed.
It is like the kingdom of God and a mystery.
Before the ending of the day:
Calm and still me, O Lord
And keep me from harm, O Lord.
Let all that causes me dis-ease cease, O Lord.
And enfold me in Your peace
May our daily tasks hallow
our nightly prayers.
May our sleep be deep and soft
So our tasks for tomorrow may be fresh
The Word of God Psalmody
GOD rules: there’s something to shout over!
On the double, mainlands and islands—celebrate!
Bright clouds and storm clouds circle ’round him;
Right and justice anchor his rule.
Fire blazes out before him,
Flaming high up the craggy mountains.
His lightnings light up the world;
Earth, wide-eyed, trembles in fear.
The mountains take one look at GOD
And melt, melt like wax before earth’s Lord.
The heavens announce that he’ll set everything right,
And everyone will see it happen—glorious!
You, GOD, are High God of the cosmos,
Far, far higher than any of the gods.
GOD loves all who hate evil,
And those who love him he keeps safe,
Snatches them from the grip of the wicked.
Light-seeds are planted in the souls of God’s people,
Joy-seeds are planted in good heart-soil.
So, God’s people, shout praise to GOD,
Give thanks to our Holy God!
Glory to the Father, and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit
As it was in the beginning is now, and shall be for ever. Amen
(Words from Psalm 97- The Message (MSG)© 1993, 2002, 2018 by Eugene H. Peterson
Scripture Reading
As the sower sowed, some seeds fell on the path, and the birds came and ate them up. Other seeds fell on rocky ground, where they did not have much soil, and they sprang up quickly, since they had no depth of soil. But when the sun rose, they were scorched; and since they had no root, they withered away. Other seeds fell among thorns, and the thorns grew up and choked them. Other seeds fell on good soil and brought forth grain . . .. (Matthew 13:4-8)
Silence is kept
Gospel Canticle
The Nunc Dimittis (The Song of Simeon)
Now Lord you let your servant go in peace: your word has | been fulfilled.
My own eyes have seen the salvation which you have prepared in the sight of every people;
A light to reveal you to the nations
and the glory of your people Israel. (Luke 2.29-32)
+ Glory to the Father and to the Son and to the | Holy Spirit; as it was in the beginning is now and shall be for ever. Amen.
Prayers – Intercessions –
You may wish to pause the video as you offer your intercessions
Collect for the second week of Lent
Almighty God, by the prayer and discipline of Lent
may we enter into the mystery of Christ’s sufferings, and by following in his Way come to share in his glory; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen
Shared from the Lectionary app. Material subject to copyright.
Visit this place, O Lord, we pray,
and drive far from it the snares of the enemy;
may your holy angels dwell with us and guard us in peace,
and may your blessing be always upon us;
through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen
Creator God,
may every breath we take be for your glory,
may every footstep show you as our way,
that, trusting in your presence in this world,
we may, beyond this life, still be with you
where you are alive and reign
for ever and ever. Amen
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, the power and the glory,
for ever and ever. Amen.
The Conclusion
In peace we will lie down and sleep;
for you alone, Lord, make us dwell in safety.
Abide with us, Lord Jesus,
for the night is at hand and the day is now past.
As the night watch looks for the morning,
so do we look for you, O Christ.
+May God bless us,
that in us may be found love and humility, obedience and thanksgiving, discipline, gentleness and peace.
And the blessing of God, Father, Son and Holy Spirit be with you now and always. Amen.
Rev Derek Akker
This video is made using a standard laptop, a webcam and no special recording equipment or editing software.
The video was recorded in one sitting, with no editing, it is an attempt to create as near to live viewing as possible.
