Join me for prayer on this feast day:
You may wish to light a candle and have some reflective music playing in the background.
The Lord is good, a strong refuge when trouble comes. God is close to those who trust in him. Nahum 1.7
Opening Sentences
O Lord, open our lips and our mouth shall proclaim your praise.
The night has passed, and the day lies open before us; let us pray with one heart and mind.
Pause for reflection as you offer the day to God.
As we rejoice in the gift of this new day, so may the light of your presence, O God, set our hearts on fire with love for you; now and for ever. Amen.
Bible Readings
Psalm 111
1 Alleluia.
I will give thanks to the Lord with my whole heart, •
in the company of the faithful and in the congregation.
2 The works of the Lord are great, •
sought out by all who delight in them.
3 His work is full of majesty and honour •
and his righteousness endures for ever.
4 He appointed a memorial for his marvellous deeds; •
the Lord is gracious and full of compassion.
5 He gave food to those who feared him; •
he is ever mindful of his covenant.
6 He showed his people the power of his works •
in giving them the heritage of the nations.
7 The works of his hands are truth and justice; •
all his commandments are sure.
8 They stand fast for ever and ever; •
they are done in truth and equity.
9 He sent redemption to his people;
he commanded his covenant for ever; •
holy and awesome is his name.
10 The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom;
a good understanding have those who live by it; •
his praise endures for ever.
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.
26 In the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent by God to a town in Galilee called Nazareth, 27to a virgin engaged to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David. The virgin’s name was Mary. 28And he came to her and said, ‘Greetings, favoured one! The Lord is with you.’29But she was much perplexed by his words and pondered what sort of greeting this might be. 30The angel said to her, ‘Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favour with God. 31And now, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you will name him Jesus. 32He will be great, and will be called the Son of the Most High, and the Lord God will give to him the throne of his ancestor David. 33He will reign over the house of Jacob for ever, and of his kingdom there will be no end.’ 34Mary said to the angel, ‘How can this be, since I am a virgin?’35The angel said to her, ‘The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you; therefore the child to be born will be holy; he will be called Son of God. 36And now, your relative Elizabeth in her old age has also conceived a son; and this is the sixth month for her who was said to be barren. 37For nothing will be impossible with God.’ 38Then Mary said, ‘Here am I, the servant of the Lord; let it be with me according to your word.’ Then the angel departed from her.
Luke 1:26-38
Prayers
Almighty and everlasting God, we thank you that you have brought us safely to the beginning of this day. Keep us from falling into sin or running into danger; order us in all our doings and guide us to do always what is righteous in your sight; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Intercessions
Keep us, good Lord, under the shadow of your mercy in this time of uncertainty and distress. Sustain and support the anxious and fearful, and lift up all who are brought low; that we may rejoice in your comfort knowing that nothing can separate us from your love in Christ Jesus our Lord. 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
The Lord bless us, and preserve us from all evil, and keep us in eternal life. Amen.
Let us bless the Lord. Thanks be to God.
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